The Megalosaurus: When Was the First Dinosaur Discovered?

When was the first dinosaur discovered? Megalosaurus marked our introduction to the “terrible lizards” that continue to fascinate us, even centuries later.

By Sara Novak
Jan 11, 2024 10:00 PMJan 11, 2024 10:03 PM
Megalosaurus skull
(Credit: Daniel K. Driskill/Shutterstock)

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In 2024, we commemorate a milestone in the field of paleontology: the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the Megalosaurus. This landmark event marked the beginning of an era of wonder and exploration into the age of dinosaurs. It was a turning point in our understanding of the natural world, revealing the existence of creatures beyond our wildest imagination. 

The discovery of the Megalosaurus not only introduced us to these prehistoric giants but also paved the way for numerous subsequent discoveries that have enriched our knowledge of the Earth's distant past. And today, scientists know a lot about the age of dinosaurs.

We know that dinosaurs ruled the Earth for 165 million years, before going extinct some 66 million years ago. We’ve discovered over 1,000 species of dinosaurs to date — large and small, warm- and cold-blooded. We know that birds are a type of dinosaur, and that many dino species may have been covered in feathers.

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