Here, we will explore the history of this important landmark and how it was rediscovered.
What is the Great Sphinx of Giza?
Learn about this Ancient Egyptian monument below.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom WitthayaP/Shutterstock
What is a sphinx?
However, its appearance varies greatly depending on the region.
Early History of the Great Sphinx
Alabaster statue of Khafre.
Fernand Khnopff, “Caress of the Sphinx,” 1896 (Photo:Google Arts & Culture, Public Domain)
However, there is no evidence of what the monolith’s original intention was or even its original name.
Map of the Giza pyramid complex.
The Great Sphinx is across from the Eastern cemetery.
Left to right:Sphinx sculpture from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, c. 570-560 BCE (Photo:Google Arts & Culture, CC-BY-SA 3.0)Winged sphinx from Darius palace at Susa, c. 510 BCE (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)Ancient Egyptian sphinx sculpture. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA 3.0)
Jean-Leon Gerome, Bonaparte Before the Spinx, oil on canvas, 1886.
In fact, modern archaeologists believe that it was removed sometime between the 3rd and 10th centuries CE.
The reason why, however, is still debated.
Alabaster statue of Khafre. (Photo:Juan R. Lazaro, CC-BY-2.0)
Map of the Giza pyramid complex. The Great Sphinx is across from the Eastern cemetery. (Photo:MesserWoland, CC BY-SA 3.0)
Frederic Louis Norden, “The Great Sphinx of Giza,” sketch on paper, made in 1737, published in 1755. (Photo:“Voyage d’Égypte et de Nubie”, Public Domain {PD-US})
Jean-Léon Gérôme, “Bonaparte Before the Spinx,” oil on canvas, 1886. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain {PD-US})
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Jeff Schultes/Shutterstock
