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Mystery of the Great Sphinx of Giza: Who built the massive ancient limestone statue?

Mystery of the Great Sphinx of Giza: Who built the massive ancient limestone statue?

Time of India2 days ago
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of ancient Egypt's most iconic and mysterious monuments. This prehistoric limestone statue, which has the body of a lion and the face of a man, has been the subject of research and mystery for historians, archaeologists, and travellers for centuries.
Located on the Giza Plateau near modern-day Cairo, near the famous pyramids, the Sphinx is more than just a stone figure, as it represents a powerful symbol of kingship and divine protection in ancient Egyptian culture. While many admire its grandeur, a poignant question has long been on people's minds, as there has been a long-lasting speculation about who built the Great Sphinx.
Who built the Great Sphinx of Giza?
Most historians believe that the Great Sphinx of Giza was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, who ruled from around 2575 to 2465 BCE during Egypt's Fourth Dynasty.
This theory is supported by both archaeological and stylistic evidence. According to Encyclopædia Britannica, the Sphinx 'likely dates from the reign of King Khafre' and may even depict his face.
The Sphinx was carved directly from a single limestone ridge on the Giza Plateau. One of the most striking features of the statue is that its body lies in the shape of a reclining lion with a human head wearing a royal headdress, believed to symbolise the pharaoh's power. The monument measures about 240 feet (73 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high, making it one of the largest sculptures in the world carved from a single piece of stone
However, not everyone agrees.
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Some researchers argue that the Sphinx might have been built by Khafre's older brother, Redjedef (Djedefre), as a tribute to their father, Khufu. This view comes from facial studies that suggest the features of the Sphinx resemble Khufu more closely than Khafre.
Despite the debate, most modern Egyptologists favour the Khafre theory due to the statue's proximity to his pyramid and the architectural harmony of the complex. The mystery of the Sphinx's missing nose has added to its mystery, but illustrations predating Napoleon's arrival in Egypt show the nose was already missing, suggesting other causes of damage over time
What makes the Sphinx mysterious?
The mystery surrounding the Great Sphinx of Giza deepens when considering the erosion patterns on its surface.
Unlike the typical effects of wind and sand seen elsewhere in Egypt, the Sphinx shows signs of water erosion in the form of deep vertical grooves and fissures, especially along its lower body and the walls of its enclosure. These patterns suggest long-term exposure to rainfall and water runoff, which is not something to expect in Egypt's dry climate today.
Geologist Dr. Robert Schoch argues that this kind of erosion could only have occurred during a much wetter time, possibly around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age.
If that's true, it means the Sphinx may be far older than traditionally believed, predating the rise of the pharaohs and pointing to the possibility of an earlier, unknown civilisation.
It is also popularly believed that a lost advanced civilisation may have built the Sphinx, not just as an isolated monument, but as part of a larger network of ancient structures around the world, including Stonehenge and sites in South America. They point to the Sphinx's precise alignment with the cardinal directions and constellations as evidence of deep astronomical knowledge.
Though mainstream archaeology doesn't support these alternative theories, the lack of clear ancient Egyptian records about the Sphinx's origins keeps the mystery alive
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These 6 public high schools in New York are worth considering for students in the US
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In 2025, the conversation around choosing the right high school is expanding beyond district lines. Whether it's access to top-ranked academics, competitive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, or a vibrant extracurricular ecosystem, students across the United States are increasingly looking to public high schools in cities like New York to shape their future. New York City, with its diverse student population and longstanding investment in gifted education, is home to some of the most prestigious public high schools in the country. These institutions do more than prepare students for college, they foster communities that value innovation, student voice, and academic intensity. According to Niche , an independent platform that ranks schools based on academics, student life, and college readiness, several public high schools in New York stand out for their exceptional performance and well-rounded student experience. 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Both math and reading proficiency are at 99%, and the average SAT score is 1440. For US students seeking a rigorous curriculum in a quieter setting, Scarsdale stands out. High School of American Studies at Lehman College Location: Bronx Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 With its intimate size and college-campus setting, the High School of American Studies (HSAS) offers a different kind of experience. Situated on the Lehman College campus, HSAS blends high school academics with college-level inquiry, especially in the humanities and social sciences. Clubs and activities may be limited compared to larger schools, but the sense of community runs deep. Spirit Week and Homecoming events remain popular, and 95% of students say their teachers are both engaging and caring. For students in the US who value small class sizes and historical inquiry, HSAS is a distinctive option. What makes these schools nationally relevant? While these schools are based in New York, their reputations are national. 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