The Egyptian Sphinx, or the Great Sphinx of Giza, remains one of history's most thrilling mysteries. Archaeologists are sure that people built it, but who and when can not clearly answer until now. Some believe that the Sphinx became a monument to an unknown supreme deity. Others consider the statue to be just another senseless monument of the ancient pharaohs. Still others are sure that the matter was not without the intervention of aliens - how, they say, otherwise explain this monumental building? But it's true, the Sphinx is full of mysteries!
Appearance from the abyss
Strange, but archaeologists still cannot say for sure who exactly ordered the construction of the Sphinx. It is believed that the monument was built during the reign of Khafre, that is, the fourth dynasty of the Old Kingdom as early as 2500 BC, however, some signs suggest that the monument is older than this age.
Unfinished masterpiece
But whoever started this construction, he did not have time to finish the plan. An American archaeologist, Mark Lenner, discovered a nearby hidden cave where large stones and construction tools were kept. Apparently, the sphinx was supposed to become only the central figure of a huge sculptural canvas.
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Professionals at work
And the slaves did not build the Sphinx at all, as many believe. According to the latest research, the builders lived in prosperity and luxury, could afford the very expensive meat at that time, and even had their own brothels.
Kind brother
Do not confuse the Greek and Egyptian sphinxes. In Greek mythology, the Sphinx forced travelers to solve a riddle and killed those who could not cope. And the Egyptian Sphinx is a much more good-natured creation, giving strength and courage to its faithful admirers.
Implanted beard
The Sphinx once had a beard, that's a fact. But what is there, a fragment of it is still kept in the British Museum. However, some experts believe that the beard was not the original part of the monument and appeared later. Most likely, it was ordered to be added to the statue of Thutmose IV during the reconstruction.
This is not a sphinx
Finally, technically, the Egyptian Sphinx is not a Sphinx at all. The Sphinx is the winged monster of Thebes with a female head and the body of a lion. The Egyptian Sphinx has neither wings nor a female head - it is absolutely male. Who is this? But it is not clear.
Astronomical Sphinx
American archaeologist Mark Lenner believes that the Egyptian Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza were built by fans of the solar cult who tried to get energy in this way. Modern astronomers only twist a finger at their temples to such statements, but at the same time they cannot clearly answer how the ancient Egyptians managed to arrange the Sphinx into an ordered system with the pyramids of Giza, the Nile Valley, the constellations Leo and Orion. And how the Egyptians managed to align the monument exactly in the center of the Milky Way is also not entirely clear.
Painted cat
Now it is difficult to believe in it, but originally the sphinx was multi-colored. Close up, tiny drops of red paint on the face are still noticeable, and on the body there are stains of blue and yellow. Experts suggest that the original look was designed in bright colors.
The Sphinx and its missing nose
The widespread information that Napoleon blew up the nose of the sphinx is nothing more than a legend. Judging by historical documents, the pious Sufi Muslim Muhammad Saim al-Dah is responsible for the damage to the great statue: in this way he tried to reduce the religious significance of the Sphinx.
Sphinx worshipers
According to legend, Pharaoh Thutmose fell asleep at the paws of the sphinx and experienced a religious revelation. From that moment on, the statue became the subject of a cult that is still alive today. Of course, there are not so many admirers of the monument, but they are.
The largest rock monument
It's amazing how the ancient Egyptians managed to build this unique monument. The massive, tall figure of the Sphinx is officially the largest statue in the world.
Different names
During its long history, the monument has changed a lot of names. Around 1400 BC, the statue was called "The Great Khepri Monument." Then the nickname "Gorem-Akhet" appeared, and the Egyptians themselves call it "balhib" or "bilhaw".
Desert battle
Since its construction, the Sphinx has plunged into the sands. The desert tried to swallow up the great statue and people had to work hard to regain its place in the sun.