Facts and Controversies You Never Knew about the Great Sphinx of Giza

Author: Sara Smith

Africa's largest city and capital of Egypt is an overwhelming exotic city that invites frequent cheap flights to Egypt. It can be chaotic, dusty and at the same time awe-inspiring. Cairo unites prehistoric monuments with contemporary amenities for tourists on leisure or business visits.

As with most cities of Egypt, the climate determines the perfect time to go, as it can get very hot during summers. The best time to fly to Cairo is during the cooler months from November to March. Check out our travel deals and benefit greatly from low-cost flights to Cairo as well as other bargained offers. The top things to see and explore in Cairo are:

  • Gizeh Plateau
  • Dahshur
  • Mosque of Ibn Tulun
  • Memphis and Sakkara
  • Zamalek (Gezira Island)

The Sphinx and the Pyramids offer memorable pleasures for those seeking adventure in a city with the oldest civilization. Fly Africa can help you book Cairo flights to make your dreams come true in Egypt.

The Controversy

Of all attractions in Egypt, the Great Sphinx of Giza is the most disputable. It stands towards the western Nile region in the Giza region. The word 'Sphinx' means - The Terrifying One or The Father of the Dread.

Many might not know about the Sphinx that it is a limestone statue of a fictitious creature with the head of a human and body of a lion. So what is the mystery? Who built it and when?

What is the Riddle of the Sphinx?

The Sphinx also has a riddle attached to it. According to Greek legend, the Sphinx annihilated any passer-by who could not answer the riddle: "What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?"

Only one man Oedipus answered, 'Man,' leading to the death of the Sphinx.

Who built the Great Sphinx?

Scholars say that the Sphinx was erected around 2500 BCE under the orders of Khafre as the Sphinx's face bears similarities to Khafre's appearance.

Why was it built?

If Khafre built it, he bore in mind how it could be of use. Many say that it was built as a part of the sun god worship, or link the Pharaoh to the sun god.

The Nose of the Sphinx

The spectacle of the Sphinx is awe-inspiring for all. One of the sketches of the Sphinx shows that the nose was broken. How was the nose broken and who did it?

A popular fable suggests that the army of Napoleon fired cannonballs and caused the nose to break.

Here are some facts regarding the Sphinx:

  • The Great Sphinx faces the rising sun.
  • To the Arabs, the Sphinx is known as the Father of Terror.
  • The Great Sphinx is known as the largest single-stone statue in the world.
  • The Great Sphinx had a beard and some pieces are kept in the Cairo Museum.
  • There are 3 passages into or under the Sphinx.
  • In 1995, engineers discovered a series of tunnels and pathways while renovating a nearby park.
  • Traces of red, yellow and blue spots are found on the Sphinx face.
  • Author Robert Temple stated that the Sphinx was usually a statue of the jackal-dog, the Necropolis God.
  • To bring together the lower body of the Sphinx, gigantic blocks of stone were brought and joined from the base rock.
  • The head of the Sphinx is made from a harder stone while the body is formed from a softer stone.
  • The Sphinx also forms a complex structure that contains the Sphinx temple. This temple is like the Great Pyramid.

There have been several repairs to the Sphinx over the centuries and yet this massive icon continues to deteriorate due to winds, smog, and humidity. In 1980, more than 1500 limestone rocks were added to the body of the Sphinx along with various chemicals. This mode of restoration was not successful and the Sphinx kept crumbling. Despite several deficiencies and causes, the Sphinx continues to be shrouded in mystery and amazement.

Fly to Egypt and land at Cairo International Airport, which is 11 miles away from the city. The airport features an attractive duty-free gift shop and other stores for passengers. Taxis are widely available to drop you to your desired destination. Fly Africa can help you find options to transit with cheap car hire at reasonable rates.

Summary

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the largest and oldest of all mysterious monuments ever erected by human hands. Along with its structure, several mythologies, and controversial connections baffling the world. Yet, the Sphinx is a timeless treasure of the ancient world.