Giant dinosaur discovered thanks to photos of fossils destroyed during World War II

Scientists have unveiled a giant horned dinosaur from Egypt, named Tameryraptor markgrafiafter discovering lost photos of fossils destroyed during World War II.

The initial discovery and tragic loss of the fossils

It all begins in 1914when German paleontologists led by Richard Markgraf first unearthed the fossils of this Cretaceous dinosaur in the Bahariya oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert. These fossilized remains, including bones and teeth, are a real breakthrough for the paleontology of the time, offering an unprecedented view of the prehistoric fauna of northern Africa. The fossils are sent to the Bavarian State Collection of Paleontology and Geology (BSPG) in Germany, where they are carefully studied and preserved.

However, fate decides otherwise. In 1944during a bombing during the Second World War, the building where these precious fossils were stored was destroyed by fire. The fossils disappear, carried away in the flames. This tragic loss appears to mark the end of the story of this particular dinosaur. For decades, scientists believed that these fossils were permanently lost.

The unexpected rediscovery: Forgotten photos

In 2023, a surprising turning point in the history of this discovery occurs. Researchers at the University of Tübingen, Germany, have obtained previously unknown photographs of the lost fossils. These images, which date from the 1940s, show the fossils in all their splendor before their destruction. Thanks to these never-before-seen photos, researchers can finally study the characteristics of the dinosaur, something they were unable to do after the loss of the original fossils.

Initially, scientists thought that these fossil remains belonged to a large theropod dinosaur known as Carcharodontosaurus. This conclusion was based on initial observations made in the 1940s by German paleontologist Ernst Stromer. Stromer had even classified this specimen as a member of this group of giant dinosaurs known for their imposing size and sharp teeth. Ultimately, a close examination of the new photos revealed some striking differences: a prominent horn, a different skull shape and an enlarged frontal brain. These distinctive features do not correspond to those of the Carcharodontosaurus, but to a new species of dinosaur, now named Tameryraptor markgrafi.

The name Tameryraptor is a homage to ancient Egypt, as “Ta-Mery” means “promised land” in Egyptian and “raptor”, meaning “thief” in Latin, refers to the carnivorous nature of the dinosaur. The specific epithet, markgrafipays tribute to Richard Markgraf, the fossil collector who initially exhumed the remains of this animal.

An overview of prehistoric fauna in North Africa

The discovery of Tameryraptor markgrafi, which measured approximately ten meters longreveals a unique facet of prehistory in North Africa. If Egypt and its fossils are often associated with spectacular discoveries such as those of Spinosaurusthis new species of dinosaur shows that the African continent was home to much more diverse fauna than previously imagined. This discovery sheds light on the complex interactions between the different species that lived in the region at the time and could redefine certain hypotheses about the Cretaceous ecosystem.

Scientists believe this discovery could also pave the way for further research. Indeed, several other species, such as Deltadromeusshared between Egypt and Morocco, could also reveal more distinct and hitherto ignored specimens. This raises fascinating questions about the diversity of prehistoric life in North Africa and the importance of revisiting ancient records to better understand Earth’s history.