in the Devonian Period. Early curled species had simple septa with a single arc like the members of the class orthocerida. Ammonites of later periods developed septa that had intricate folds calledAmmonites have been known to mankind for thousands of years. They are the source of many stories and myths. The name of this spiral-shelled cephalopod comes from the Egyptian god Ammon. Ammon was pictured as a man with the horns of a ram protruding from his head. The curled ammonite shells resembled the horns and were called Ammon’s Stones or ammonites.

Ammonite Myths
Many cultures throughout history have attributed special powers to this fossil.

In ancient Greece, it was said that if you put an ammonite under your pillow it would cure insomnia and bring good dreams.

The Romans believed that if you put a golden ammonite (pryritized) under your pillow you would have prophetic dreams.

A Brief History of Ammonites
Ammonites first appeared in the Devonian Period. Early curled species had simple septa with a single arc like the members of the class orthocerida. Ammonites of later periods developed septa that had intricate folds called

as pictured as a man with the horns of a ram protruding from his head. The curled ammonite shells resembled the horns and were called Ammon’s Stones or ammonites.

Ammonite Myths
Many cultures throughout history have attributed special powers to this fossil.

In ancient Greece, it was said that if you put an ammonite under your pillow it would cure insomnia and bring good dreams.

The Romans believed that if you put a golden ammonite (pryritized) under your pillow you would have prophetic dreams.

A Brief History of Ammonites
Ammonites first appeared in the Devonian Period. Early curled species had simple septa with a single arc like the members of the class orthocerida. Ammonites of later periods developed septa that had intricate folds called

cultures throughout history have attributed special powers to this fossil.

In ancient Greece, it was said that if you put an ammonite under your pillow it would cure insomnia and bring good dreams.

The Romans believed that if you put a golden ammonite (pryritized) under your pillow you would have prophetic dreams.

A Brief History of Ammonites
Ammonites first appeared in the Devonian Period. Early curled species had simple septa with a single arc like the members of the class orthocerida. Ammonites of later periods developed septa that had intricate folds called

ams.

The Romans believed that if you put a golden ammonite (pryritized) under your pillow you would have prophetic dreams.

A Brief History of Ammonites
Ammonites first appeared in the Devonian Period. Early curled species had simple septa with a single arc like the members of the class orthocerida. Ammonites of later periods developed septa that had intricate folds called

in the Devonian Period. Early curled species had simple septa with a single arc like the members of the class orthocerida. Ammonites of later periods developed septa that had intricate folds called lobes and saddles. They also developed delicate lacey patterns on the outer shell. These patterns along with the shape of the shell and the structure of the septa are how this cephalopod is classified.

Since all living cephalopods (octopus, squid, and nautilus) are predators, we can assume that ammonites were as well. The only living cephalopod with an external shell is the chambered nautilus. It can swim and control its depth. It does this by using the siphuncle. The siphuncle is a tube that connects all the chambers in the shell with the living animal. The nautilus can add or subtract gas in these chambers to control buoyancy.

Ammonite Size
Ammonites have a wide range of size. Specimens have been found ranging from less than a centimeter to 2 meters in diameter. E