Why were Ancient Egyptians afraid of hippos?

Because of its tendency to graze on the newly grown wheat, overturning boats, hurting and even killing people, the hippo was often hunted and is extinct in the lower part of the Nile today. Hippo hunt. Tomb of Meruka Courtesy Jon Bodsworth. read more

Egyptians had a complex relation with Hippos, much like Americans have with many big game animals today! Not only did the Ancient EGyptians fear hippos, they also worshipped them for their power. They claim the lion is the king of the jungle, well the Hippo would be the king of the river. Even crocodiles 15 foot long are fearful of hippos. read more

In Lower Egypt there was a Hippo Feast since the Old Kingdom, during which the king as Horus killed a white hippo, identified with Seth. This tradition is reflected in New Kingdom wall paintings depicting hippo hunts. In the temple at Edfu Horus pierces the wretched one in the shape of a hippo with a spear. read more

According to the History Channel, hippos were hunted in ancient Egypt because they were dangerous, ruined farmers' crops, overturned boats and stampeded. They run faster than people and have strong, destructive jaws. Even in modern Africa, hippos are considered the most lethal animal aside from mosquitoes, which quickly spread diseases. read more