The Egyptian SphinxA great symbol of Ancient Egypt is
Sphinx. A magnificent monument carved out of living rock, sits outstandingly in Giza Plateau.
It is a carving of body of a lion with a head of a king or god, symbolizing strength and wisdom. It is 200 feet long and 65 feet high with paws being 50 feet long. The body of sphinx was buried in desert sand for thousands of years and only in 1905, about a century ago, sands has been cleared away from it. Thus, sphinx has several layers of erosions, those that are horizontal are due to sand and stone, while some are vertical due to water (probably rain) erosions.
It is believed that sphinx was built by king Khafre (Chephren 2558-2532B.C.) who was one of he 4th Dynasty kings and whom 2nd pyramid of Giza was built for him.
The sphinx faces due to east, to horizon and this has an astronomical belief to ancient Egyptians. It is also thought that it is a guardian of horizon for later journey of kings in life-after.
