The Great Sphinx of Giza | History & Facts

One of the most well-known sites in the world, the Great Sphinx of Giza is an iconic structure that dates back thousands of years. The magnificent Sphinx of Giza, which is situated in Egypt, has fascinated tourists for years.

Measuring 240 feet (73 meters) in height and 240 feet (73 meters) in length, it is the biggest surviving statue from the ancient world. Egyptian kings revered this enigmatic sphinx for years as a potent manifestation of the sun god. Are you curious to know more? 

Keep reading to learn more exciting information about the inside the Sphinx of Giza, as well as everything you haven’t heard about it.

Where is the Great Sphinx of Giza located?

The Great Sphinx of Giza is situated in Cairo, Egypt, on the west bank of the Nile River, approximately 800 meters from the Great Pyramids. The geographical placement is not arbitrary; instead, it aligns with the grandeur of the Pyramids of Giza, particularly the Pyramid of Khafre, believed to be the resting place of the pharaoh. This arrangement adds to the Sphinx's role as a guardian, standing sentinel over the necropolis and the treasures within.

What does the Sphinx mean?

The word "sphinx" is not exclusive to the ancient Egyptians; similar-looking animals with a human head and lion's wings may also be found in Greek and south- and southeast Asian mythology. Determining the original name of this enormous old monument is extremely challenging.

The Sphinx acquired its current name through the customs of classical antiquity, nearly two millennia after the commonly accepted construction date. The name draws inspiration from Greek mythology, depicting a creature with a lion's body, a woman's head, and eagle wings. However, the Egyptian version omits wings and features a human head instead.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is situated in Cairo, Egypt, on the west bank of the Nile River

Interesting Facts About The Great Sphinx Of Giza

If you are planning a trip to The Great Sphinx in Egypt, or are simply intrigued about the country, here are some Great Sphinx of Giza facts:

1. Who built the Sphinx?

For ages, it has baffled historians and archaeologists. Given that the lion's head resembles Khafre's face, the most widely recognized view holds that it was constructed during Khafre's rule. This would date the statue's creation to approximately 2500 BCE. 

The second-largest monument in the Giza Necropolis, the Pyramid of Khafre, was also constructed by this same Pharaoh. But according to other academics, it was made by Djedefre, who attempted to steal the throne following the demise of King Khufu, the man who built the pyramids.

2. The Great Sphinx used to be quite colorful

Historians and academics claim that although the Sphinx was formerly painted in vivid hues, weathering, erosion, and human activity have gradually worn away most of the paint.

Some studies and analyses have claimed that the Sphinx was painted in shades of red, yellow, and blue, with intricate patterns and designs, yet it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what the original paint colors and patterns looked like.

In some areas of the Sphinx's body, such as the headpiece and the nemes fabric, there are still some visible paint remnants and traces.

The Great Sphinx used to be quite colorful

3. It was built from one single slab of limestone

Given its height and breadth, it makes sense to believe that the Sphinx was put together piece by piece. Actually, it was sculpted from a single block of limestone that was left over from the quarry where the pyramids were constructed. This is one of the surely interesting facts about the Great Sphinx of Giza. Additionally, the front paws were constructed from individual limestone pieces.

According to Egyptologist Mark Lehner, the monument was completed by about 100 laborers over the course of three years, employing chisels and hammers. Large, unprocessed stone blocks and abandoned toolkits next to the worksite were also discovered by the researchers, suggesting that the structure was originally intended to be larger than it is now. Amazingly, some leftover lunches—meat from cattle, lambs, and goats—also indicate that the workers departed hastily.

4. No one knows why its nose is missing

The Sphinx's nose, which looks to be broken off, is one of its most recognizable features. The original nose was thought to have measured at least one meter. Nobody knows how it was broken off, though some unfounded rumors—like the one about Napoleon—have been circulated.

While it was once believed that Napoleon's troops, upon invading Egypt in 1798, shot off the Sphinx's nose with a cannon, historical drawings discovered prior to Napoleon's arrival reveal that the nose was already absent.

The Sphinx nose, which looks to be broken off, is one of its most recognizable features

5. The Sphinx spent time buried in sand

Throughout its lengthy existence, the Great Sphinx has been repeatedly destroyed by the shifting sands of the Egyptian desert. Thanks to Thutmose IV, who would shortly take the throne as Egypt's pharaoh, the Sphinx was restored for the first time, shortly before the 14th century BCE. The monument was once again buried in the three millennia that followed. 

In the 19th century, the front arms of the statue were buried significantly below the surface at Giza. The statue would not be completely unearthed again until the 1920s.

6. The Sphinx went through a beard phase

Presently, fragments of the Great Sphinx's beard, eroded and eventually removed from the statue's chin, are housed in the British Museum and the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo.

The British Museum concurs with other ideas, such as French archaeologist Dobrev, who thinks the beard was a later addition. If the chine had been constructed concurrently, it would have sustained much more damage. Some claim it was included in Thutmose IV's extensive restoration project.

7. The Sphinx is the subject of astronomical theories

The Great Sphinx of Giza's mystery has made it a crucial component of several theories concerning the ancient Egyptians' understanding of cosmic things.

Some academics, such as Lehner, have discussed how the Sphinx and the pyramids of the Giza Necropolis are part of a gigantic "power harnessing machine" that absorbs solar radiation. There are many who disagree with the idea, but since this statue is the Great Sphinx, there is little reason to think that the rumors will end anytime soon.

8. The Great Sphinx is the largest monolith statue on Earth

The Great Sphinx in Giza is the world's largest monolithic statue, 241 feet long and 66 feet high.

For thousands of years, the Sphinx has been a marvel of engineering and artistic talent, and people from all over the world have been fascinated and amazed by it.

The Sphinx is still a famous representation of ancient Egypt and a living example of the creativity of the ancient world, even with the damage inflicted by weathering and vandalism throughout time.

The Great Sphinx is the largest monolith statue on Earth

Things to know before you explore the Great Sphinx of Giza

Egypt E-Visa

Ensure you have obtained the necessary travel documentation. Consider applying for an Egypt e-visa through our official Egypt Immigration Services website. This will streamline the entry process and save you time upon arrival.

Weather Conditions

Check the weather conditions before your visit. Egypt can be extremely hot, especially during the summer months. Dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Read more: Understanding The Average Egypt Temperatures

Opening Hours

Check the opening hours of the site. The Great Sphinx of Giza and the Giza Plateau may have specific visiting hours, and planning your visit is essential.

Photography Rules

While photography is generally allowed, there might be restrictions in certain areas. Check with the staff or guides to avoid any inconvenience.