Great Sphinx of Giza, colossal limestone statue of a recumbent sphinx located in Giza, Egypt, that likely dates from the reign of King Khafre (c. 2575–c. 2465 bce) and depicts his face. It is one of Egypt’s most famous landmarks and is arguably the best-known example of sphinx art.

Side view of the Sphinx with the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) rising in the background at Giza, Egypt.

The Great Sphinx is among the world’s largest sculptures, measuring some 240 feet (73 metres) long and 66 feet (20 metres) high. It features a lion’s body and a human head adorned with a royal headdress. The statue was carved from a single piece of limestone, and pigment residue suggests that the entire Great Sphinx was painted. According to some estimates, it would have taken about three years for 100 workers, using stone hammers and copper chisels, to finish the statue.

Most scholars date the Great Sphinx to the 4th dynasty and affix ownership to Khafre. However, some believe that it was built by Khafre’s older brother Redjedef (Djedefre) to commemorate their father, Khufu, whose pyramid at Giza is known as the Great Pyramid. These theorists claim that the face of the Great Sphinx bears more resemblance to Khufu than Khafre, and that observation also led to speculation that Khufu himself built the statue.

Why is the Great Sphinx's nose missing?An investigation into who damaged the Great Sphinx, near Giza, Egypt.

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The Great Sphinx has greatly deteriorated over the years, and since ancient times—possibly beginning in the reign of Thutmose IV (1400–1390 bce)—various efforts have been undertaken to preserve the statue. Whereas the body has suffered the most erosion, the face has also been damaged, and its nose is notably missing. According to some, the damage was caused by Napoleon’s troops, who shot off the nose with a cannon. However, illustrations that date before Napoleon reveal a noseless sphinx. Another theory contends that Muhammad Saʾim al-Dahr, a Sufi Muslim, mutilated the statue in the 14th century to protest idolatry.

What is the Sphinx?

The Great Sphinx is a giant statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It’s one of the most famous monuments in the world and is considered a symbol of ancient Egypt. It stands 20 meters (66 feet) tall and is 73 meters (240 feet) long, making it the largest monolithic statue (carved from a single block of stone) in the world.

Why a Lion with a Human Head?

The Sphinx combines the physical strength of a lion with the intellect of a human. In ancient Egypt, lions were often associated with power and protection. The human face on the Sphinx is believed by many to represent Pharaoh Khafre, who ruled Egypt during the 4th dynasty (around 2500 BCE). The idea was that the Pharaoh, as a god-king, combined wisdom and power to protect his people.

What’s the Sphinx’s Purpose?

The exact purpose of the Sphinx is still debated, but it is thought to have been a guardian figure, standing watch over the Giza Necropolis, where Pharaohs were buried in the nearby pyramids. It may have been meant to protect the tombs and ward off any enemies, both human and spiritual.

How Old is the Sphinx?

The Sphinx was most likely built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, around 2500 BCE, making it over 4,500 years old. However, some alternative theories suggest that it could be even older, possibly dating back to 7,000 BCE or earlier, based on evidence of water erosion.

Mysteries of the Sphinx

There are many myths and mysteries associated with the Sphinx. Some believe there are hidden chambers or tunnels beneath it that could hold ancient secrets. While there have been some excavations, nothing conclusive has been found to confirm these theories.