Sphinx and Pyramids
The mystery of
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CONTENTS
Introduction
A Sphinx is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and a human head. According to Greek mythology, the Sphinx was a monster that brought misfortune and disaster. The largest, the oldest and one of the most famous Sphinx is situated in Egypt at Giza. It is a landmark of Egypt and it symbolizes the ancient Egyptian civilisation. However, it is an arguable monument as far as its age, its characteristics and its role are concerned.
The Sphinx
The statue, with a man's head and a lion's body, stands 66 feet high and 240 feet long. The head measures 19 feet from forehead to chin. Each paw extends 56 feet forward of the body. The face is over 6 yards wide.
The Age of Sphinx
It was generally believed that the Sphinx was built in the 4th Dynasty by pharaoh Chephren. However, it has been proved that it is much older according to inscriptions found, as well as astronomical and geological research.
Which pharaoh did Sphinx resemble?
To some, the features of the face of the Sphinx bear a far more striking resemblance to an older brother of Khafre, the Pharaoh Djedefre.Unlike Khafre, Khafre's father and later Khafre's brother Menkaure, Djedefre did not construct his pyramid on the Giza plateau. Instead Djedefre built his pyramid at Abu Roash where it now lies badly damaged. Some believe that Khafre usurped the throne of Djedefre and then built his pyramid and Sphinx at Giza.
The Nose of Sphinx
The nose was the unfortunate victim of target practice by the Turks in the Turkish period. It is often erroneously assumed that the nose was shot off by Napoleon's men, but 18th century drawings reveal that the nose was missing long before Napoleon's arrival.
Just Myths or True Facts?
We cannot answer this question for sure, but we believe that, as long as there has been found some evidence, these theories are partly true. However, we should take into account that some of them are part of the egyptian tradition.
Thank you for your attention!!!
Thomari Andromache
Katsiapi Natalia