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Description:
The Great Sphinx of Giza is (not surprisingly) located at Giza, and is one of the most iconic statues in the world. It was hewn from an outcrop of rock and faces the sunrise from its location beside the causeway to the Mortuary Temple of Khafra. It measures 187 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 65 feet high, and was likely built during the mid 3rd millennium BC.
The Sphinx has the head of a man and the body of a lion. Some believe that it is meant to represent Khafra, although this is a matter of some debate. It was buried by sand after the abandonment of the Giza Necropolis and wasn’t fully dug out until 1925. The Sphinx’s nose is missing, perhaps due to vandalism or due to erosion. Restoration work on the Sphinx has been done since it was excavated, but it is still deteriorating.
The Great Sphinx also serves as the narrator during the sound and light shows at Giza.
The Sphinx has the head of a man and the body of a lion. Some believe that it is meant to represent Khafra, although this is a matter of some debate. It was buried by sand after the abandonment of the Giza Necropolis and wasn’t fully dug out until 1925. The Sphinx’s nose is missing, perhaps due to vandalism or due to erosion. Restoration work on the Sphinx has been done since it was excavated, but it is still deteriorating.
The Great Sphinx also serves as the narrator during the sound and light shows at Giza.
Kate H. says...
Added Nov 17, 2008
The sphinx is pretty incredible. I had no idea how big it actually is! We spent an amazing day at the Sphinx and pyramids, but a few days later we decided to go back....only this time for the sound and lights show at night! It was definitely cheesy, but to see the pyramids lit up at night was well worth it! And if you can get past the fact that the sphinx is the narrator you'll learn quite a bit too! And the hour long cab ride we took to get there and back was worth the trip in itself! What a ride! There's nothing quite like driving in Egypt! :)
Megan K. says...
Added Jun 13, 2008
They have begun renonvating the bottom of the Sphinx, I don't know if they are going to rebuild the entire thing but I think that would ruin it. As of now you are only allowed on the left side of the Sphinx. They believe that the Sphinx was there long before the Pyramids and this might be why they chose to build the pyramids there. No one really knows.
Miia M. says...
Added Aug 1, 2008
It was totally worth all the exhausting walks, no wind and burning sun when I arrived to the great Sphinx and the Pyramids. BEAUTIFUL!!
Laura A. says...
Added Nov 3, 2008
wow!! So amazing!! Coming right out of the sand with the pyramids behind.....go to the laser show at night!!
Haller C. says...
Added Oct 27, 2008
the sphinx with the pyramids in background...amazing
Hilmi A. says...
Added Aug 29, 2008
An amazing piece of ancient art.
