While the pyramids are larger, probably older and arguably more famous, it is The Sphinx that seems to carry with it the most mystery and legend. His name in Arabic - Abu al-Hol - means father of terror. It was the Greeks who gave him the name Sphinx because he resembles the Sphinx of their mythology, who sets riddles and then devours anyone who cannot answer them. There is a great deal of misinformation about Mr. Sphinx and a lot of conjecture that is presented as fact. One legend is that the Sphinx's nose was removed by Napoleon (British soldiers in other accounts). Unlikely, since writings from the 15th century mention the missing features. Still, the legend persists to this day. The French or the British may certainly have taken pot shots at it - our guide believed the British did - but they did not cause the initial damage. The only certainty is that it was intentionally removed since chisel marks are evident at the damaged spot. The Sphinx's original purpose is a matter of open speculation. It is the largest monolithic sculpture in the world but appears rather small, as it is dwarfed by the pyramids in the background. The bedrock from which he is chiseled near the pyramid of Kahfre suggests that he was carved during that pharaoh's reign but this is in no way a certainty and has been debated for some time. It is thought that his face, with the royal vestments, may be a likeness of the pharaoh. Some geologists, however, believe that the erosion at the Sphinx's base could have only been caused by water. This would make it much older than the pyramids since Cairo has not seen periods of heavy rainfall since approximately 3000 BC. some people think the Sphinx was built by-or for-aliens. Still others think it has mystic powers. The mystery surrounding this famous half man-half feline is part of what makes it a sought after destination. A good link for debates surrounding the age of the sphinx can be found at davidpbillington.net. I have not read this in its entirety, so I do not know for certain how biased this article may be. The wikipedia page can be found here. |
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All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Daren Willden, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved. |