Crocodile-skin suit of parade armour, Roman, radio-carbon dated to the 3rd or 4th century AD, from Manfalout, Egypt.

The incorporation of the province of Egypt into the Roman Empire put Rome and her people into direct contact with Egyptian culture and religion. In Egypt Roman garrisons were closely integrated into civic and religious life and participated in local cults.

In Middle Egypt and Manfalout (in the ancient nome of Lycopolite). Roman soldiers were particularly attracted to the Crocodile cult centred on the sacred grottoes of the region. This parade helmet and cuirass, based upon actual military armour, was especially constructed out of crocodile skin for use in the cult processions.