The Great Sphinx

A sphinx, in general, is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human or an animal. It is often seen as a symbol of power, wisdom, and mystery.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most famous and largest sphinxes in the world. It is located near the pyramids in Egypt. The Sphinx at Giza has the body of a lion and the head of a human. It is huge, with a height of about 66 feet and a length of about 240 feet. The face of the Sphinx is believed to represent a pharaoh, although we are not sure which one. The Sphinx was built over 4,500 years ago and has stood as a mysterious and impressive monument ever since. It is a symbol of ancient Egypt's greatness and continues to capture the imagination of people around the world.

Purpose

The Great Sphinx of ancient Egypt was built for a few different reasons, but the exact purpose is still not known for certain. One reason was to protect the nearby pyramids and serve as a guardian for the royal necropolis where the pharaohs were buried. The Sphinx was also seen as a symbol of the pharaoh's power and connection to the gods. It was associated with the sun god Ra and believed to possess wisdom. The ancient Egyptians considered it a sacred and important creature. Even though we don't know all the details, the Great Sphinx continues to amaze and remind us of the incredible skills and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

Time

The Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the most famous monuments in the world, was created around 4,500 years ago in ancient Egypt. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, who ruled Egypt during the Old Kingdom period. Constructing the Sphinx was a massive undertaking that required many skilled workers and took several years to complete. The exact time it took to build the Sphinx is uncertain, but it is estimated to have taken around 10 to 20 years. 

An illustration of what the Great Sphynx of Giza may have looked like at its completion

Measurements

The Great Sphinx of Giza is an enormous statue, standing about 66 feet (20 meters) tall and measuring approximately 240 feet (73 meters) in length. It is one of the largest and most iconic sculptures in the world. The head of the Sphinx alone is around 30 feet (9 meters) high, making it taller than many buildings. The body of the Sphinx is also massive, with a lion's body and a human head, symbolizing strength and wisdom. Its sheer size is a testament to the incredible craftsmanship and engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. 

Many years after the Great Sphinx was first built, it started to become damaged and covered in sand. For a long time, only the head of the Sphinx could be seen peeking out from the sand. 

Information compiled in this site come from the following sources; British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institute, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Acropolis Museum, Encyclopedia Britannica, Egypt Time Travel, Journey to Egypt, Getty Institute, Boston Museum of Fine Art 

If you have edits you would like to suggest, please email Michael.Veley@ship.k12.pa.us