The Egyptian Sphinx - Guardian Of Giza

It is part of the Giza Necropolis, the collection of monuments that includes the Pyramids of Giza.

A sphinx is a mythological creature that has different forms in different cultures and civilizations, however most sphinxes are composed of a human head and a lion body.

In Greek mythology the sphinx has female breasts, eagle wings and a serpent-headed tail.

Many sphinxes are also found in southern Asia.

The human head represents the intelligence of the pharaoh and it is adorned with a Nemes headdress the same as King Tut's. A Nemes headdress is a gold and blue striped cloth.

The lion body represents the strength of the king, as well as a symbol of the sun.

The date it was built is still in debate, but it is approx. 2500 BC. It is still unsure whether it was built by King Khafre. There are many theories out there about the Great Sphinx of Giza, but till now this is the most used by Egyptologists.

There is also a mystery surrounding the loss of its nose, with some saying it was a cannonball shot by Napoleon’s troops and some saying it was vandalism.

Ancient Egypt has many other human and ram-headed sphinxes as well, like those lined up at the entrance of the Karnak temple near Luxor.

They form the "Avenue of the Sphinxes" which is another must-see attraction in Egypt.

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