Ancient Oceans Resurface in the Sahara
In the heart of Egypt’s Sahara Desert lies an extraordinary secret: the fossilized remains of ancient whales that once ruled the seas 37 million years ago. These remarkable creatures, aptly named the “walking whales” of Egypt, are rewriting our understanding of whale evolution and offering a glimpse into a long-lost world.
A Surprising Discovery in the Sand
Amidst the shifting dunes, paleontologists have unearthed dozens of fossilized remains, including a complete 65-foot (20-meter) long skeleton of a legged whale. These findings are challenging our perceptions of Egypt’s landscape and providing crucial insights into the transition of terrestrial mammals into the majestic sea creatures we know today.
The Valley of Whales: A Window to the Past
A Museum Like No Other
To preserve and showcase these incredible discoveries, a $2.17 billion (£1.5 billion) museum has been inaugurated in Wadi Al-Hitan, known as the Valley of Whales. This area, once submerged beneath a vast prehistoric ocean, now stands as a testament to the dramatic changes our planet has undergone.
Blending Nature and Architecture
The museum, housed in a sand-colored dome-shaped building, was designed by architect Gabriel Mikhail to harmonize with its arid surroundings. “It would be a crime against nature,” Mikhail stated, “to construct something in such a stunning and distinctive location if it didn’t blend in with the surroundings.”
A Journey Through Time
Inside the Fossils and Climate Change Museum, visitors can marvel at the fossilized remains displayed in glass cases. Alongside these ancient marine relics, stone-age artifacts reveal that humans once inhabited this area thousands of years ago, adding another layer to this rich tapestry of history.
As we stand in the presence of these 37-million-year-old marine giants, now resting in the heart of the desert, we’re reminded of the ever-changing nature of our planet and the incredible stories waiting to be uncovered beneath our feet.
