The Archaeologist

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The strangest secrets of the ancient Sphinx have finally been revealed

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a colossal limestone statue of a recumbent sphinx in Giza, Egypt, that is arguably the best-known example of sphinx art and one of Egypt's most famous landmarks.

Standing 240 feet tall and 66 feet long, the largest statue has a lion's body and a human head with a royal headdress. It is estimated that it would have taken 100 workers three years to complete it using stone hammers and copper chisels.

Most scholars attribute ownership of the Great Sphinx to Khafre and date it to the 4th dynasty. However, some believe it was built by Khafre's older brother Redjedef (Djedefre), to honor their father, Khufu, whose pyramid is known as the Great Pyramid at Giza. According to these theorists, the Great Sphinx's face resembles Khufu more than Khafre, and this observation has led to speculation that the statue was built by Khufu himself.

Even to this day, the Great Sphinx of Giza remains one of the biggest mysteries in the history of the world. It was originally built several thousand years ago by an ambitious Pharoah as a comeback to his rival, who was none other than his own father, to show off his greatness. Yet, so many still don't know much about it.