The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the world’s most iconic and enigmatic monuments, standing on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt. With the body of a recumbent lion and the head of a human—most likely representing Pharaoh Khafre—the Sphinx has captivated historians, archaeologists, and travelers for centuries.
Origins and Construction
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Great Sphinx was created around 2500 BCE during Egypt’s Old Kingdom, likely for King Khafre, who also built the second pyramid at Giza. The statue was carved directly from a single massive outcrop of limestone left behind in a U-shaped quarry, which also supplied stone for the surrounding pyramids and temples. Estimates indicate that about 100 workers, using only stone hammers and copper chisels, would have taken roughly three years to complete the monument.
The Sphinx measures approximately 73 meters (240 feet) in length and 20 meters (66 feet) in height, making it the largest monolithic sculpture of the ancient world. The head and face of the Sphinx were once painted red, the headdress yellow, and the ceremonial beard blue—traces of pigment have been found by archaeologists. Fragments of the beard are now in the British Museum, while the Sphinx’s nose, likely destroyed in the 14th century, is missing.
Symbolism and Purpose
Facing directly east toward the rising sun, the Sphinx is believed to symbolize the king’s connection to the sun god and to serve as a guardian of the Giza necropolis. Its alignment and proximity to the pyramids suggest it was an integral part of Khafre’s funerary complex, embodying royal power, divine protection, and the pharaoh’s role as an intermediary between gods and people.
Later History and Rediscovery
Over the centuries, the Sphinx was repeatedly buried by desert sands, which ironically helped preserve it from erosion3. By the time of Pharaoh Thutmose IV (died c. 1391 BCE), the statue was largely forgotten and covered in sand. According to legend, Thutmose IV dreamed that the Sphinx spoke to him, promising kingship if he cleared away the sand—a story commemorated on the Dream Stele placed between the Sphinx’s paws.
The Sphinx was rediscovered by European explorers in the early 19th century, and systematic excavation began soon after, culminating in the statue’s full exposure by 19363. Since then, the Sphinx has faced new threats from pollution, weathering, and ill-advised restoration attempts, prompting ongoing conservation efforts by Egyptian authorities.
Mysteries and Legacy
Despite extensive study, the Sphinx retains many mysteries. There are no contemporary inscriptions definitively linking it to Khafre, although archaeological and geological evidence strongly supports this attribution27. Some alternative theories propose earlier dates based on erosion patterns, but these remain controversial7.
Today, the Great Sphinx of Giza stands as a testament to the ingenuity, artistry, and ambition of ancient Egyptian civilization. Its enduring presence continues to inspire awe and curiosity, symbolizing both the grandeur and the enduring mysteries of Egypt’s past.