The Great Sphinx of Giza is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. [1] Facing east, it stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt. The face of the Sphinx appears to …

Feb 15, 2025 · 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 …

Oct 26, 2016 · The Great Sphinx of Giza is the most instantly recognizable statue associated with ancient Egypt and among the most famous in the world. The sculpture, of a recumbent...

Jan 4, 2018 · The Great Sphinx of Giza is a 4,500-year-old statue near Egypt's Great Pyramid. At 240 feet long and 66 feet high, it is one of the world's largest monuments.

One question in particular poses a riddle to researchers - who mutilated the Sphinx's face, and why? Speculation has abounded throughout the centuries. One theory that enjoys particular popularity is that Napoleon Bonaparte had the Sphinx's nose shot off.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the Great Sphinx's appearance is that it possesses a lion's body and a human face and head. This appearance is only one of many forms the sphinx has taken. It is the human head of the Sphinx that tends to be the subject of debate.

The Great Sphinx of Giza was likely built in order to guard the pyramid of Khafre — this is the most widely accepted theory about why the Great Sphinx was built due to its positioning in front of Khafre's pyramid. The statue faces from west to east, towards the rising sun, in line with ancient Egyptian belief in the power of the sun.

Apr 6, 2019 · Most Egyptologists agreed the Great Sphinx’s face is that of the Pharaoh Khafre’s likeness. However, there is some dissent over this time frame. Currently, evidence supporting the theory of the Sphinx being carved during the reign of Khafre remains circumstantial.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most iconic monuments of ancient Egypt, standing at the edge of the Giza plateau and guarding the pyramids of Khafre and Khufu. It is a mysterious and enigmatic statue, with a lion's body and a human face that has been the subject of much speculation and research.

The Great Sphinx is carefully placed within Giza, protecting the tombs of Khafre and Khufu. But when was the sphinx given a face? And whose face would serve to protect these important...