Over time, carnivorous hyaenodonts become extinct] The group Sekhmetops, lion-sized hyaenodonts also discovered in the rocks of the Fayum, had been placed within a European group.
The species, known as Bastetodon and named for an Egyptian goddess, had sharp teeth and an incredibly powerful grip.
Known as a Bastetodon, the animal had sharp teeth and a powerful bite to rip into its prey, including the hyraxes, early elephants and hippos, and primates that lived in the former forest of Fayum.
Bastetodon was named for the cat-headed Egyptian goddess Bastet, who symbolized protection, pleasure, and good health.
Relatives spread from Africa in waves and, by 18 million years ago, their relatives were among the largest mammalian meat-eaters to ever walk the planet.
