The term dinosaur comes from the ancient Greek root words deinos, or “terrible,” and sauros, or “lizard.” As our understanding of these prehistoric creatures has become more refined over time, attempts to create life-size models of them have, more or less, increased in accuracy and lifelike quality. Of course, many of the thousands of dinosaur statues in the world have been made with an eye more toward entertainment than accuracy. For your viewing enjoyment, a collection of photographs from the past century of large-scale mock dinosaurs, constructed to varying degrees of accuracy and based on what was known at the time.
Terrible Lizards: Dinosaur Statues of Questionable Accuracy
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Original caption, March 17, 1922: "The Iguanadons which lived during the Wealden formation would, if living today, soon be extinct, for despite its dynamic size it could not hold its own against modern firearms. However its enormous size and strength would furnish ample sport for the modern huntsman." #
Bettmann / Getty -
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A concrete dinosaur statue stands next to a building destroyed by strong winds brought about at the height of Typhoon Bopha at a playground in New Bataan, southern Philippines, on December 9, 2012. #
Erik De Castro / Reuters -
A 60-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus appears behind a restaurant in Cabazon, California, on May 19, 2000. A. The dinosaur is one of two constructed by the late Claude K. Bell as roadside attractions west of Palm Springs. #
David McNew / Newsmakers / Getty -
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Original caption, July 27, 1931: "Step right up ladies and gentlemen, and take a peak at Dolores, the monster of the prehistoric ages who seems to be making a delicious meal of Thelma Corey. This 47-foot animal is all but alive, and appears at the new stage show at the Roxy Theatre, '50 Million Years Ago.' The animal virtually lives, breathes and snorts fire and carries people on his back." #
Bettmann / Getty -
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Original caption, February 1927: "A model of a prehistoric Icthyosaurus is dragged from its pond in the grounds of Crystal Palace, London, for its annual clean. The 'keeper' is being helped by some of the local police force." #
Fox Photos / Getty -
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Original caption: "A General Electric motor and fan are installed inside a 25-foot-long model. This dinosaur is part of an exhibit for the Sinclair Refining Company at the Century of Progress Exposition in 1933." #
Schenectady Museum Association / Getty -
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