A Mysterious Monument of Ancient Egypt The Sphinx is one of the most famous and mysterious monuments in ancient Egypt. It is a colossal statue of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre. The Sphinx is located on the Giza Plateau, near the Great Pyramids of Giza, and faces east towards the rising sun. The Sphinx is estimated to be about 4,500 years old and is the oldest and largest surviving sculpture of its kind in the world. The Sphinx was not discovered by a single person but rather was rediscovered by King Thutmose IV, who found it hidden in the sand. According to an inscription on a stele between his feet, Thutmose had a dream in which the Sphinx asked him to remove the sand that covered him in exchange for the throne of Egypt. Thutmose obeyed and became the next pharaoh. Later, other leaders and explorers also attempted to explore and restore the Sphinx, such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Auguste Mariette, Emile Baraize, and Mark Lehner. The purpose and meaning of the Sphinx are still debated by scholars and historians. Some theories suggest that the Sphinx was built to protect pyramids and necropolises or as a symbol of royal power and divine wisdom. Some believe it was built by Khafre's brother Redjedef in memory of their father Khufu, whose pyramid at Giza was known as the Great Pyramid. Some people also believe that the Sphinx's face resembles Khufu more than Khafre, or that it was originally a lioness representing the goddess Sekhmet. Visiting the Sphinx is a must for anyone traveling to Egypt, as it gives insight into the ancient civilization that built it. There are several ways to make the most of your tour, such as:
• Take a guided tour or taxi from central Cairo to the Giza Pyramid complex, then walk or ride a camel around the site.
• Get inside one of the pyramids for an additional fee, such as the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, or the Pyramid of Menkaure.
• Take a selfie with the Sphinx from the viewing platform that sits next to it or from a panoramic point where you can see all three pyramids together with the Sphinx in front of them.
• Watching a sound and light show that uses lasers, lights, music, and narration to tell the story of the Sphinx and the Pyramids at night.
• Shopping for souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, carpets, spices, perfumes, and more at one of the bazaars near the Sphinx area, such as Topaz Bazaar or Golden Bird Bazaar.
• Relaxing and rejuvenating at a spa near the Sphinx area, such as Explore Spa by Le Meridien. The Sphinx is not only a place to see one of the most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt, but also to experience modern Egypt's beauty and diversity.