Ancient Beasts explores the fascinating intersection of paleontology, mythology, and folklore, arguing that ancient myths may be rooted in the discovery of prehistoric creatures' fossilized remains. The book unveils how early humans, lacking modern scientific understanding, creatively interpreted these findings, incorporating ""ancient beasts"" into their cultural narratives. For example, legends of giants across various cultures might stem from the discovery of giant fossilized bones. The book investigates the science behind paleontology, including fossilization and dating techniques. It also examines global mythological traditions, identifying recurring motifs of monstrous beings. Structured in three parts, Ancient Beasts progresses from introducing basic concepts to analyzing case studies and drawing broader conclusions about the relationship between prehistoric life and human imagination. Discover how discoveries of fossils influenced the origins of mythology and our enduring fascination with the unknown.