Aegyptopithecus zeuxis (Simons 1965, 1967, 1987; YPM VP 024189; Oligocene, 33 mya) was preceded by Smilodectes and the New World monkeys. It nests at the base of the Old World monkeys, like Macaca, more specifically at the base of the tarsiers, like Tarsius.

Aegyptopithecus resembled a living monkey, but it had the longer snout of Smilodectes. It was also very similar in size. Each of the several known specimens had a unique face, such as a shorter snout and wider cheekbones. Evidentily recognizing individuals became important. The nostrils would have opened close together and down, as in Old World monkeys. No vibrissae (whiskers) were present. The upper lip would have been uncleft and not bound to the gums underneath, which gave Aegyptopithecus more facial expressions.

32 teeth were present, the same number as in humans, two incisors, one canine, two premolars and three molars per ramus. The incisors were chisel-shaped, the canines long and sharp and the lower molars had a five-cusp pattern.

A full plate of bone separated the eyeballs from the jaw muscles, so vision would not become blurred while chewing. The brain was smaller than that of any living monkey, but larger than that of a lemur. Apes are able to learn from their companions.

Claws were replaced by nails. The thumb would have been well developed based on phylogenetic bracketing. The hair would have been thinner than in a lemur. Naked skin showed on the buttocks and face.

Females were much smaller and they had a smaller sagittal crest, which is a first instance of male/female skeletal morphology differences. Large males with large fangs become tribal leaders.