The Sphinx - Time's Guardian
Time's stalwart guardian, the Sphinx, has seemingly forever sat upon the Giza Plateau. In fact, according to most estimates, this enigmatic creation is believed to have been built when Khafra's pyramid was constructed between 2558 to 2532 BC.The term sphinx comes from the Greek for strangler; although it has been suggested that the word originates from the ancient Egyptian phrase shesep ankh (living image).
Many scholars have surmised that the face of this fantastical creature is, in fact, an image of Pharaoh Khafra himself; although this has still yet to be confirmed. It certainly seems plausible, as the Sphinx stands at the end of a ritual causeway that leads up to Khafra's pyramid.
Recently, there has been a lot of contention regarding the accepted age of the Sphinx. Some scientists have suggested that the Sphinx may belong to an older civilisation, dating as far back as 12,000 years. These controversial conclusions were founded upon the level of erosion that has affected the main body of the sculpture. The maverick scientists who promote these theories, believe that the erosion lines could only have appeared during a period of high moisture in the region, pre-dating the age of the Pharaohs by thousands of years, during a period that followed the last great Ice Age. If this could be proven, then the history of civilisation would have to be radically updated.
Traditional Egyptologists are not swayed by such ideas, as they are not by the predictions of American mystic, Edgar Cayce, who had visions of a lost library of ancient wisom laying within the Sphinx. There have been several legitimate excavations to discover if, indeed, a space within exists. Towards the back of the sandstone statue near its tail, a small, hollow chamber was discovered, but nothing that would hint towards a larger, more important inner complex.
With a maximum height of 20 metres, and a length of 73 metres, the Sphinx instantly enthralls the visitor with both powerful mythology and ancient history. There are efforts to preserve it from the increasing threat of Cairo's pollution, which is causing the Sphinx to suffer from stone's equivalent of cancer. How much reconstruction should be done, has been a source of great contention, but with the current environmental assault, if work is not continued, this fabled art piece will be challenged to survive another millennium.
Photography & Report by El-Branden Brazil
1 comment:
Ah, the Sphinx. Quite a sorry looking thing in modern times. Patched up, bricked up, and (unfortunately) considerably smaller than is suggested in dramatically angled National Geographic photos when you're a kid. But a mystifying enigma for sure. The alternative theories you speak of, interested me for quite some time in the 90's. It certainly seems the erosion patterns along its body appear to be of considerable water erosion horizontal and vertical, over many eras. Studies of the face profile measurements, certainly seem to convince me that it was a Lion head originally, and 'hijacked' as a Pharoah head later. Rather like the way the Church reshaped the Pantheon in Rome from a Pagan chamber to a Christian one. But anyway....
As you say, the thing about Egytologists, is that they don't like their existing comfort zone being encroached upon. We need to keep an open mind but not so much that our brains fall out too though. So there needs to be moderation in investigation, and not open season for everyone with a shovel and a theory. But I'm always shocked at the stubborn arrogant pride of Dr Zahi Hawass who often seems more concerned about fame and his own name than being open to new suggestions.
As far as I understood, the supposed hall of records is said to be under the left paw? What are the Egyptian authorities afraid of? We are often told it is due to the risk to the sphinx structure.
Or are they afraid that perhaps the Egyptian civilization was built upon an earlier one?
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