The Sphinx

By Angie Williams, Tori Hannon, Elise LaChance, Joey Orsillo, Ben Lacher, Trey

Povanda

Symbols of the

Sphinx The lion was a powerful symbol in which

represented strength and courage. They are a combination of a lion god and the

king pharaoh god. Lions were considered the supreme guardians. The head of the sphinx was most likely made

to look like the pharaoh of that time: Chephren.

Dimensions of the

Sphinx The sphinx has a man’s head and a lion’s

body. It stands 66ft high and 240 feet long. From forehead to chin the sphinx is 19 feet

long. Each paw is 56 feet going forward. The face of the sphinx is 6 yards wide.

The statue was built in 2500 BC. The Great Sphinx started out as an out

cropping of rock, the paws were constructed of stone rocks.

In ancient times the Sphinx would be painted with a blue and yellow head dress and a red body.

Lastly, in front of the statue was a small temple where people could offer gifts to the creature, The Sphinx

Building the Great Sphinx at Giza

After time the statue was given less attention. Legend says that if you put your ear to the

Sphinx it would give you wisdom. In 1400 BC Prince Thutmose came to rest in

the shadow of the sphinx, the sphinx told him if he uncovered him he would become Pharaoh of Egypt instead of his older brother.

Pharaoh Thutmose IV

Historians believe that Thutmose IV had his brother

killed so he could gain the crown. While Egyptians people might not have been able to

forgive Thutmose the slaying, they could overlook it if it seemed like it was the will of the gods.

Thutmose IV & Archaeologists

There are many rumors of secret passageways

and tunnels throughout the sphinx. Over the years of restoration several tunnels

have been discovered. The tunnels were discovered in the rear, head,

and between the head and paws.

Exploring the Sphinx

Strange objects around Sphinx, could be

passageways or chamber, or changes to rock.

Studies Of The Sphinx

The Egyptian people thought that the Sphinx

was a real creature. The myth is that when you are asked the

riddle if you answer incorrectly the Sphinx would kill you.

If you answered the riddle correctly the Sphinx would kill itself.

Oedipus answered correctly which lead to the Sphinx dying.

THE MYTH OF THE RIDDLE

“What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?”

The Riddle

Man