Located in Giza, Egypt, the Great Sphinx is one of the earliest and largest sculptures in the world.
The statue which showcases a lion’s body and an Egyptian King’s head is about 66 feet high and 241 feet long.
It is considered as the biggest surviving statue in the world with an eye measurement of six feet tall, an ear size of three feet tall, and a nose size of closely five feet long.
Some scholars believe that was carved out of limestone on the Giza plateau during the tenure of Khafre as the Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.
It is, however, worth remembering that other historians believe that the Great Sphinx was constructed by Khafre’s older sibling Redjedef to honor their father Khufu.
While there is no conclusive evidence as to who build the Great Sphinx, scientific estimates show that it took 100 Ancient Egyptians about three years to complete statue with the use of copper chisels and stone hammers.
Over the years, the Great Sphinx has significantly degenerated due to erosion and natural phenomena.
Other scholars concluded that Napoleon Bonaparte’s troops also played a part in the downturn of the Great Sphinx with some historians claiming that it shot the Sphinx’s nose.
Numerous efforts have been initiated to preserve the body which started to slump during the reign of Thutmose IV.
In 2007, Egyptian authorities found out that the local water table situated under the sculpture was rising as a result of sewage dumping in the adjacent canal.
It said that the moisture from the canal rapidly spread through the penetrable limestone of the architecture, thus, resulting in the rock to fall down and disaffiliate in large flakes.
To prevent uncontrolled moisture, authorities have ingrained pumps close to the Great Sphinx to deflect the groundwater and ultimately save artifact from further deterioration.
How tall is the Great Sphinx?
The Great Sphinx is 241 feet in length, 20 feet in width, and 66 feet in height.
Who began the restoration of the Great Sphinx?
Restoration of the Great Sphinx began during the time of Prince Thutmose.
Legend has it that Thutmose fell asleep near the head and the Sphinx and had a dream where he was told that if restored, he would become the ruler of Egypt.
Thutmose made efforts to restore the Sphinx and subsequently became the Pharaoh of Egypt.
What does the Great Sphinx symbolize?
The Great Sphinx also symbolizes the power of the sun and royalty. Its paintings, sculptures, and relics are popular within Modern Egypt.
What is the purpose of the Great Sphinx?
The Great Sphinx meets the sunrise and secures the burial chambers of Giza.
It sits in part of the Necropolis of ancient Memphis which is nearby the three massive pyramids namely the Khafre, Menkaure, and the Great Pyramid of Khufu.