What is the Great Sphinx?
The Great Sphinx is a timeless symbol of ancient Egypt, situated on the western bank of the Nile near Cairo. This massive sculpture stands 73 meters long, 20 meters wide and has a height of 10 meters. It is part of the Giza Necropolis, which also contains the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Almost 4,600 years old, it is the oldest and largest statue of its type in the world. This iconic symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization has been seen in stories and legends throughout the ages.
History of the Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx is believed to have been created around 2500 BC during the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, under the rule of King Khafre. During this time, the Great Sphinx acted as a guardian for the Giza Necropolis, watching over the tombs of the rulers and guarding them from enemies and thieves. While the exact builder of the Great Sphinx remains unknown, some archaeologists believe it may have been built by Pharaoh Khafre himself or constructed by an artist hired by the king, as a representation of himself and a symbol of his own power.
Recent theories suggest that the Great Sphinx dates back earlier in Egyptian history, as early as 4000 BC. Though there is no definitive evidence to support this claim, some scholars speculate that it may have been built under the orders of a long forgotten Pharaoh from the First Dynasty.
What Does the Great Sphinx Represent?
As one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt, the Great Sphinx has become known as a universal emblem of mystery and power. It is thought to have been modeled after the faces of Pharaoh Khafre, as many of its facial features resemble that of the Egyptian ruler. The head of the Sphinx is believed to symbolize the Pharaoh’s wisdom, while the body is thought to represent his strength and power.
The Sphinx is also believed to represent the Egyptian god, Harmakhis, who was believed to be the guardian of the sun god, Ra. This association may be due to the fact that the Sphinx is aligned to face east, the direction of the rising sun, making it the perfect protector of the Giza Necropolis.
Myths and Legends Surrounding the Great Sphinx
Throughout its long history, the Great Sphinx has been celebrated and featured in many ancient stories and myths. In some tales, it is said to have guarded and protected Pharaohs, while in others it has been said to be the intermediary between man and the gods. Perhaps the most popular story is that of Prince Thutmose finding the Sphinx, hidden in the sand, and setting it free.
The Great Sphinx of Giza also appears in many other literary works, including Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, in which it is befittingly mentioned and commonly believed to have been an inspiration for the play. In addition, it has also appeared in more modern works, such as H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds (1906).
Other Facts About the Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx is perhaps one of the most iconic works of art in the world, having survived 4,600 years despite the turbulent history of the region. The construction of the Sphinx would have taken a massive amount of labour, with some experts believing it could have been as many as 12,000 people. It has weathered some significant damage over the centuries, including being buried in shifting sands and knocked off its feet during anti-pharaoh rebellions.
The Sphinx still holds some secrets about its origins, including the identity of its builder and why it was built in the pyramidal necropolis at Giza. But the most perplexing mystery surrounding this immortal symbol is the age-old question “What lies beneath the Sphinx?” To this day, no one knows for sure, but there are many theories.
Popularity of the Great Sphinx Today
Interest in the Great Sphinx has been high throughout the centuries, with many people visiting the iconic statue each year. It has become a symbol of ancient Egyptian culture, with thousands of tourists visiting the site and taking selfies for social media each year. The Sphinx also remains a popular source of inspiration for books, movies, artwork, and even video games.
The Great Sphinx is one of the most iconic symbols of Egypt, a timeless symbol of power and mystery. It has a fascinating history, having been associated with many myths and legends, and is said to have been built by the orders of a long forgotten Pharaoh. It’s no surprise that its popularity remains high despite the centuries that have passed since it was created – this monument will always be an immensely powerful symbol of strength and protection to the people of Egypt.
