Constricting+Snakes

The Constricting Snakes of Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

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The ancient Egyptians were familiar with several species of constricting snakes, including the Egyptian Sand Boa, Javelin Sand Boa, and the Egyptian Sand Racer. Because they have no poison, constricting snakes were often associated with benevolent snake gods, such as Mehen and Neheb-Kau. Distorted stories of the African Rock Python, which can open its mouth wide enough to swallow a person, may have influenced the idea of the giant snake-demon Apophis.

The Reptiles and Amphibians of Ancient Egypt