How did people in pre-modern societies respond when dinosaur bones were found? What did they think they were?

by granta50
kiragecko

Quite a few people today believe that they based mythological creatures on them.

There are claims that the Griffin is based on Protoceratops, a type of dinosaur. That Cyclops is based on a pygmy elephant skull. That dragons are based on T-Rexes, or other similar dinosaurs.

Mark Witton argues against this HERE.

HERE'S a bit about pygmy elephants.

THIS is about historical descriptions of finding bones in the earth that to modern eyes seem REALLY dinosaur-y.

And finally, a CLICK-BAIT SITE that gives you a starting point to look up other animals people have suggested. If you want to some ideas to look into.