What is the Sphinx?
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most renowned and monumental statues from ancient Egyptian civilization. Carved entirely from limestone using stone hammers and copper chisels, its construction took approximately three years and involved around 100 workers, according to various estimates and historical evidence. This iconic statue is located in the city of Giza, adjacent to the Giza Pyramids, which are also significant symbols of ancient Egyptian culture.
Description of the Sphinx
The Sphinx features a lion’s body and a royal human head, symbolizing strength and resilience through its lion form, while the human head represents wisdom. The dimensions of the statue are impressive, measuring about 19.3 meters wide and 73.5 meters long, including 15 meters of its front legs, and standing approximately 20 meters tall.
It is important to note that the statue’s body has experienced considerable erosion due to various weathering factors over the centuries, resulting in facial damage, including the loss of the nose.
The Story of the Sphinx
It is widely believed that the ancient Egyptians created the Sphinx as a guardian for their temples, tombs, and pyramids during the Fourth Dynasty, specifically under the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, the builder of the second largest pyramid at Giza, around 2575-2465 BCE, according to most archaeological estimates.
The statue is strategically placed next to the Valley Temple of Khafre, which archaeological studies suggest was completed before the construction of the Sphinx and its temple. Notably, facial analysis of the Sphinx reveals significant similarities to statues of Pharaoh Khafre.
However, some archaeologists propose that the statue may have been constructed during the reign of Khafre’s brother, who sought to claim the throne following the death of Pharaoh Khufu between 2589-2566 BCE, rather than during Khafre’s rule.
The Name of the Sphinx
Historians and researchers disagree on the origins of the name “Sphinx,” as it was never referred to by this title in ancient Egyptian civilization. In fact, during the modern Egyptian period, the statue was known as (Horus in the Horizon) or (Horus of the Horizon), signifying its association with the sun god Horus.
It is also noteworthy that the term “Sphinx” has Greek origins and was tied to Egyptian sculptures in the Giza area in general, not specifically to the Sphinx itself.
Tourist Activities at the Sphinx
The area surrounding the Sphinx in Giza offers a variety of tourist activities, the most notable of which include:
- Visiting the Great Pyramid of Khufu
Situated next to the Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Khufu is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the largest of the Giza pyramids. Visitors can take a guided tour around the pyramid and explore the associated temples and burial sites.
- Exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum
Also known as the Giza Museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum houses numerous artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization, showcasing the rich history of the region.
- Visiting the Pharaonic Village
The Pharaonic Village combines history and art, offering a creative portrayal of ancient Egypt. One of its highlights is a replica of the burial chamber of Tutankhamun.