The Sphinx
With origins in the Old Kingdom, the Sphinx holds a large significance both in ancient and modern times. The most commonly known Sphinx is the famous Sphinx of Giza, otherwise known as the Great Sphinx of Egypt.
The Great Sphinx is a historic, monumental statue of a mythical creature in ancient Egypt that depicts a human head on a lion’s body. Note that while the name “Sphinx” is based on the Greek creature that boasts a woman’s head, all Egyptian Sphinxes boast the head of a man.
The Embodiment of the Sphinx
A mythological creature of sorts that has origins in ancient Egypt, Asia, and Greek mythology, the Sphinx comprises the head of a man with the body of a lion. Due to natural erosion and damage, the head has been reconstructed several times, including that of the headdress and beard [1].
Many presume that the Great Sphinx was built during 2500 BC for the Pharaoh Khafre. Crafted from bedrock and limestone, the 4500-year-old Sphinx of Giza stands 66 feet tall and 240 feet in length; one of the largest historical monuments in the world! [2]
The Sphinx also happens to have a tail that wraps around its 50-feet long paws. Other additions include the ceremonial beard and, of course, the missing nose…
Paring modern mathematics with historic discoveries, it’s been estimated that the construction of the Great Sphinx would have taken three years and over 100 workers using labor intensive methods to complete the monumental structure [3].
The Great Sphinx sits facing true east from west, right atop the Giza Plateau in Giza, Egypt.
Restoration efforts have been happening since the mid-1900s, and are still ongoing to this day [4].
Purpose of the Sphinx
While the origins and purpose of the Sphinx are unknown, there are expert opinions on the subject…
The Great Sphinx was often depicted as a spiritual figure in ancient Egyptian times; an incarnation of protectorship and royal power.
The primary function of the Sphinx was to protect and guard esteemed areas such as temples and tombstones. Others have theorized that it was constructed in hope of resurrecting the soul of the Pharaoh [1].
Secrets Hidden in the Sand
In 2010, a routine excavation surrounding the Great Sphinx of Giza paved the way for the discovery of ancient walls presumed to be built for protection against sand storms and other intrusive debris.
These historic walls that were discovered were found to be part of an even larger enclosure.
While these findings may sound mundane to the average reader, these discoveries disprove several earlier theories, one originally being that they thought the walls were only centrally located on the northern side of the sphinx [2]. In short, it has opened doors to new possibilities of historical depictions. This has since inspired a moment for the continued search of new discoveries; secrets hidden in the sand.
Final Thoughts
While there are several theories behind the history of the Sphinx, there’s no doubt that it boasts grand meaning, both in ancient Egyptian times and modern culture.
Not only does it boast history in culture, but it’s also an awe-inspiring, monumental statue, interesting to locals and tourists alike. If you haven’t yet seen it in person, the Great Sphinx is certainly a sight to see.
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