The Great Sphinx of Giza is an iconic and enigmatic monument that has captured the imagination of people worldwide for centuries. This colossal statue, with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, stands on the Giza Plateau in Egypt. Although its construction remains a mystery, American scientists assert that they have finally discovered the method used to construct the Great Sphinx in Egypt more than 4,500 years ago.
The Origination Of Egypt’s Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx and the Pyramid of Khafre, Giza, Egypt. pic.twitter.com/AgwbVtMuLV
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The origin and purpose of the Great Sphinx have been subjects of debate and mystery, and its construction is a testament to the remarkable engineering and artistic prowess of ancient Egypt. Experts have long held the opinion that stone masons carved the famous limestone monument at Giza’s intricate face by hand. However, according to recent research from New York University, erosion can produce shapes like Sphinxes.
Researchers now believe that this not only suggests that nature played a part in the creation of the famous statue, but also that Egyptians may have been inspired to create the statue out of the formation. These results show what ancient peoples may have encountered in the deserts of Egypt and why they envisioned a fantastic creature.
The research team also examined how wind shapes and flows against the odd rock formations known as yardangs that are common in deserts in order to test their theory. To imitate the topography of northeastern Egypt, they took mounds of soft clay with tougher, less erodible material embedded inside. Then, using a swift-moving stream of water to simulate the wind, they cleaned these formations.
Ultimately, the New York University team found that the clay finally took on the appearance of a Sphinx-like formation that was later detailed by humans. According to the researchers, the outcome of this experiment was a lion’s head, an undercut neck, paws spread out in front of the subject on the ground, and an arched back.
Additionally, the experts added that their investigation verified a notion first put forth by geologist Farouk El-Baz in 1981, according to which the Great Sphinx was first formed by sand erosion caused by the wind.
Also read: Egypt Is No. 1 On Top 50 Destinations Globally For Middle East Travellers List
Journey Of The Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt pic.twitter.com/aJ7hBrdfVi
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The exact purpose of the Sphinx remains a subject of debate among Egyptologists and historians. There are several theories, but the most widely accepted one is that it served as a guardian or protector of the Pyramid of Khafre. In ancient Egyptian culture, sphinxes were often placed at the entrances of temples and tombs to ward off evil spirits and protect sacred places. The Sphinx’s location facing east, towards the rising sun, is consistent with this interpretation. As the sun played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian religion and cosmology.
The head of the Great Sphinx is thought to represent Pharaoh Khafre himself. The face features the traditional royal beard and the nemes headdress, both symbolic of Egyptian pharaohs. The Sphinx’s facial features have been somewhat eroded by the passage of time. But it still bears a striking resemblance to the statues and images of Khafre discovered earlier.
Throughout the ages, the Great Sphinx has been a source of fascination, speculation, and inspiration for countless people.
Cover image credits: Canva
First Published: November 03, 2023 1:51 PM