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CROCODILE, the usual symbol of Egypt and the Nile, especially on coins; because that amphibious quadruped is indigenous to the Egyptian soil, and to the other regions which are watered by the Nile. The Romans placed this formidable animal amongst the number of those wild beasts, about which they were so curious in their triumphal pageants and theatric exhibitions.----Pitiscus.
On the medals of the Nemausensian colony (Nismes) struck under Augustus, a crocodile chained to a palm tree is the sign of Egypt subdued to the power of Rome. It is also conspicuous, with open mouth, on silver and gold medals of Augustus, accompanied by the historical legend of Egypt captured.----On gold and silver coins of Hadrian, and on first brass of Marcus Aurelius, we also see the crocodile and hippopotamus at the feet of the recumbent personification of the Nile.----Mionnet.----See AEGYPTO CAPTA (p. 13), NILUS, and NEM. COL.
The crocodile was worshipped in many cities of ancient Egypt, amongst others in Thebes, at Arsinoe, called on that account Crocodilopolis, at Coptos, &c. whilst in other countries it was regarded as a noxious animal, and treated as such by the inhabitants.----Millin, de Beaux Arts.