The Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) is one of the most venomous species of snakes in North Africa, and has bitten many humans.

[5] The specific epithet haje is derived from the Arabic word ḥayya (حية) which literally means "snake"[citation needed].

A recent study[8] found that the Arabian cobra constitutes a separate species, Naja arabica, whereas the subspecies legionis was synonymised with N. haje.

Older literature records from Southern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula refer to other species (see taxonomy section).

Naja haje occurs in a wide variety of habitats like, steppes, dry to moist savannas, arid semi-desert regions with some water and vegetation.

This species shows a preference for a permanent home base in abandoned animal burrows, termite mounds or rock outcrops.

Like other cobra species, it generally attempts to escape when approached, at least for a few metres, but if threatened it assumes the typical upright posture with the hood expanded, and strikes.

This species prefers to eat toads, but it will prey on small mammals, birds, eggs, lizards and other snakes.

[20] Irwin et al. (1970) studied the venom toxicity of a number of elapids, including Naja haje from different geographical locations.

The study also found that Egyptian cobra specimens from northern Africa, particularly those from Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya, to have significantly more potent venom than N. haje specimens found in the species' more southern and western geographical range, including Sudan and those from West Africa (Senegal, Nigeria, and Mali).

Envenomation causes local pain, severe swelling, bruising, blistering, necrosis and variable non-specific effects which may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, collapse or convulsions along with possible moderate to severe flaccid paralysis.

A stylised Egyptian cobra—in the form of the uraeus representing the goddess Wadjet—was the symbol of sovereignty for the Pharaohs who incorporated it into their diadem.

[23] In Ptolemaic Egypt, the term "aspis" (an ancient Greek word referring to a wide variety of venomous snakes) was most likely an Egyptian cobra.

This aspect of her apparent suicide has been questioned in recent years, as the relatively large size of the snake would have made it difficult to conceal, and because Egyptian cobra venom is slow-acting and does not always cause death.