Eocetus is an extinct protocetid early whale known from the early late Middle Eocene (Bartonian, 40.4 to 37.2 million years ago) Giushi Formation in Gebel Mokattam, (30°00′N 31°18′E / 30.0°N 31.3°E, paleocoordinates 24°54′N 26°48′E / 24.9°N 26.8°E) outside Cairo, Egypt. Since the genus was first described in the early 20th century, several other specimens, mostly isolated vertebrae, have been attributed to Eocetus, but the taxonomic status of these widely distributed specimens remain disputed.