Sphinx of Giza

The Sphinx of Giza

(Sphinx of Giza)

The word Sphinx is derived from Greek mythology, the word is the name of a fictional creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion, and sometimes incorporating wings as well. Though today it is commonly known as the "Sphinx" that was not its original name as its unknown what the builders had called it. It is thought that the Sphinx was built during the Old Kingdom and was given its current name almost 2,000 years later. The Sphinx of Giza is located on the Giza Plateau which is also the site of the Pyramids of Giza as well as the city Giza itself on the west bank of the Nile river. The sculpture, which was carved from the plateau is 240 feet long and sixty five feet high and faces directly west to east in line with King Khafre's pyramid. Khafre ruled from 2589-2566 BC which is around the same time the Sphinx is thought to have been constructed. This has led many to believe that Khafre was the builder of the Sphinx but there is no solid evidence to prove the theory.

Some of the layers of rock the Sphinx was carved out of were harder or softer than others which led to uneven erosion. The interesting thing about the erosion of the Sphinx is that its believed to be from running water. Several research studies have been done on this and its fairly conclusive. Which leads to the fact that when the Sphinx was built there was substantially more precipitation and perhaps even a much different climate then present day Egypt has. Its is estimated based off of fossils of plant life and artifacts that the area could have hosted vegetation around the year 8,000 BC.

(The Sphinx during its excavation in the early 1900s)

The origin and purpose of the Sphinx has left people wondering for centuries. No ancient Egyptian scriptures ever mention the building or the purpose of the Sphinx. While at times it is mentioned but only as something that has existed already, leaving many wondering about its construction. There are no known tunnels or passage ways underneath or inside the Sphinx ruling out its use as a tomb. Over time the Sphinx was eventually buried up to its neck in sand. Not until the early 1900s was it fully excavated. Restoration attempts have been being made to the Sphinx for thousands of years as they still are today, but time continues to take its tole on the monument as it is subject to harsh winds and humidity causing it to further erode.

Works Cited

Gray, By SubjectSacred Sites NewsletterMartin. "The Great Sphinx Facts." Sacred Sites. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2016

@ahencyclopedia. "The Great Sphinx of Giza." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 26 Oct. 2016. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.

Martin, Parr. "EGYPT. 1992. EGYPT. Giza. The Sphinx. 1992." (1992): ARTstor Digital Library. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.