Serpopard

The serpopard (also known as monstrous lion) is a mythical animal known from ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian art.

The image generally is classified as a feline, and with close inspection resembles an unusually long-necked lioness.

[1] It has been suggested that in Ancient Egyptian art the serpopard represents "a symbol of the chaos that reigned beyond Egypt's borders", which the king must tame.

[3] Similarly to other ancient peoples, the Egyptians are known for their accurate depictions of the creatures they observed.

[citation needed] Lionesses played an important role in the religious concepts of both Upper and Lower Egypt, and are likely to have been designated as animals associated with protection and royalty.