Great Sphinx of Giza - 73 meters high monument with lion body and human head

The Sphinx of Giza is one of the most recognizable structures of the ancient world, which has fascinated both historians and tourists for centuries. Its enigmatic nature and majestic appearance make it a symbol of mystery and mystery.

History and symbolism of the Sphinx

The Sphinx of Giza was carved out of the monolithic rock left after quarrying stone for the Great Pyramid 330 meters away. The statue was created during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, whose portrait is probably the head of the Sphinx. In ancient Egypt, sphinxes were often depicted as guardians of temples and tombs, symbolizing strength and protection. The Sphinx of Giza, with its imposing presence, was supposed to guard the pyramids against evil spirits and enemies.

The Sphinx combines the features of a lion and a human, which symbolizes the combination of animal strength and human intelligence. Its body measures 20 meters high and 73 meters long, and its face is over 4 meters wide. The royal headdress and the cobra on the forehead emphasize his connection with the pharaoh and royal power. In the past, the statue was decorated with a ureus and a square beard, and the whole thing was plastered and painted red.

Secrets and riddles

One of the greatest mysteries of the Sphinx is the missing nose. There are many theories about what happened to the statue's nose. Some say it was lost due to the influence of sand and winds, others point to numerous earthquakes. There is also a legend that Napoleon's soldiers were supposed to organize a competition in shooting at the statue's nose. Whatever the truth, the lack of a nose adds even more mystery to the Sphinx.

In 1991, geologist Robert Schoch announced that the Sphinx had traces of water erosion, which remains a mystery to this day. Only the head of the statue does not show these marks, suggesting that it may have been altered. This theory has opened up new discussion about the history and age of the Sphinx, suggesting that it may have been older than previously thought.

Tunnels and maintenance

Inside the Sphinx there are three tunnels that have been discovered over the years. Two of them were discovered in 1881, but were only opened in 1979. The third tunnel was discovered in 1926 and has remained closed since then. These mysterious tunnels add another dimension to the statue's mystery, prompting speculation about their purpose and contents.

Over the centuries, the Sphinx was repeatedly covered with sand, which made its research and conservation difficult. Until 1926, the statue was buried up to its neck in sand. The last major conservation effort took place in the 1990s, when efforts were made to protect the statue from further damage. Thanks to these works, the Sphinx has survived to this day in relatively good condition, although it is still exposed to weather conditions.

Curiosities and facts

In the New Kingdom, the Sphinx gained new religious significance, becoming the symbol of Horus, the Egyptian sun god. The cult of the sun was one of the most important aspects of ancient Egyptian religion, and the Sphinx as its symbol additionally emphasized the role of the pharaoh as an intermediary between gods and people.

The Sphinx of Giza has fascinated people all over the world for centuries. Its mysterious nature and impressive appearance have inspired many literary works, films and games. It has also become a symbol of Egyptian culture and one of the most visited tourist sites in Egypt. His image can be found on numerous souvenirs, and stories about his secrets still attract researchers and history lovers.

Dimensions and construction

The Sphinx of Giza is one of the largest statues in the world. Its body is 20 meters high and 73 meters long, which makes it visible from a long distance. At its widest point, the face is over 4 meters high, which further emphasizes the monumental character of this building.

The statue was carved out of monolithic rock, which was a huge technical challenge for the ancient Egyptians. The rock left from quarrying the stone for the Great Pyramid was used, which further connects the Sphinx with this monumental building. Thanks to the precision and skill of the craftsmen, the statue has survived millennia, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt.

Sphinx in movies

The Sphinx of Giza, with its mysterious aura and majestic appearance, has long inspired filmmakers. His presence in films adds mysticism and historical background to the plots. The Sphinx has appeared in many films, both fiction and documentaries, becoming an iconic element of popular culture.

One of the first films in which the Sphinx appeared is "Cleopatra" from 1963. In this epic production about the life of one of the most famous Egyptian queens, the Sphinx is an important background for dramatic events. Its majestic appearance emphasizes the power and mystery of ancient Egypt.

Contemporary films also like to use the Sphinx motif. In "The Mummy" from 1999, the adventures of the characters take place in the shadow of this ancient statue, adding an element of adventure and horror to the plot. The Sphinx also appears in animations such as "Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra", where its presence adds a humorous touch to the story.

The Sphinx of Giza is also a frequent hero of documentaries. Productions such as "The Secrets of the Sphinx" or "The Sphinx: Keeper of Secrets" explore the history, secrets and theories related to this extraordinary statue. These documents often present the latest scientific discoveries and hypotheses that shed new light on the history of the Sphinx.

Summary

The Sphinx in Giza is not only an impressive building, but also a symbol of the mystery and mystery of ancient Egypt. Its history, dimensions and connections with the sun cult make it one of the most fascinating objects in the world. Despite numerous research and discoveries, the Sphinx still hides many secrets waiting to be discovered. Its majestic appearance and enigmatic nature make it an ever-fascinating object for both scientists and tourists from around the world.