Discussing the Great Sphinx of Egypt
ABSTRACT
The Sphinx is one of the most famous images of the Ancient World. However, despite its immense, stone image, the Sphinx has and remains a great mystery to layman and experts from many different fields. There is continuing research hoping to determine the true origins, age, image, and purpose of the Sphinx. It is likely much older than previously thought and therefore not built when it had traditionally thought to have built. There are theories that work to explain the Sphinx. However, the only thing that we can be absolutely certain of is that the Sphinx is a fantastical megalithic structure and that inspires the minds and imaginations. Ideally, the origins and builders may be identified someday and the mystery will be solved; or perhaps the answers will never be known. However, until we get there, there are plenty of theories to consider.
INTRODUCTION
There are few images in the world that are more recognizable than the Ancient Sphinx in Egypt. Like the pyramids, Cleopatra, and King Tut, the Sphinx is a structure that represents Egypt for experts and laymen alike. Rising 66 feet off the Giza Plateau and stretching 240 feet in length, the great Sphinx in Egypt has withstood millennia of wear-and-tear over the years (Hadingham 1). However, despite its popularity among archaeologists, scholars, and historians a great deal of controversy surrounds its origins, its construction, what it originally looked like, and it actual age. Carved from a single immense slab of limestone it possesses qualities of design and detail that make it very hard to imagine how ancient people could have built such a structure using the simple tools believed to be available at the time. This seems to become truer when one considers what we would have to do with our modern technology and how we would approach building such a megalithic structure. That, combined, with other evidence collected over the last couple of decades, is beginning to lend a great deal of credence to the theory that the origins of the Sphinx may be much older and may have a different origin than is offered in Ancient Egyptian history.
BACKGROUND
Napoleon Bonaparte, during his reign over France, traveled to Egypt, in 1798, found the Sphinx, but at the time, it was just a Pharaoh’s carved head sticking up out of the desert sands. Sadly, it is Napoleon’s men who have been blamed for using the Sphinx’s exposed head for target practice. Between the 1800s and the early 1900s there would be multiple endeavors to unearth the sphinx, however, the task was costly and it would not be until 1936, after 11 years of time and energy, Emil Baraize, would finally completely uncover the immensity of the full Sphinx in all of its glory (Williams 1). Firstly, the Sphinx is powerful creature know in Greek mythology to offer riddles and are gatekeeper’s of, often, important items and treasures. However, the Greeks likely developed this myth based on the structure that existed in Egypt. The standard historical origins of the Sphinx offer the monument’s age to be about 4500 years old, placing its erection date as approximately 2500 B.C.E. The building of the Sphinx and the Great pyramids has long been attributed to the Pharaoh Khafre. It was he who had the pyramids built as a tomb complex worthy of a King and that creating lion with his own visage as the head would also represent his power and importance as Pharaoh (Hadingham 1). However, there are a few issues with that version of the story. There is reason to believe that the Sphinx predates Khafre’s rule, in fact, there is reason to believe that the Sphinx, as well as the Great Pyramid, may predate the entire Egyptian civilization.
DISCUSSION
Given its mysterious construction, suggestions of it greater age and its purpose remain a mystery to this day. The controversies that surround it only make the public interest and fascination all the more alluring and enticing, especially for archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians (Hancock and Bauval 76). The Sphinx mystery breaks down into the 4 basic sections, who built it, when was it built, what was it supposed to represent and what was the intention of the structure in the first place? Each of these aspects has its own collection of theories and suggestions, however, as yet, the truth remains and unbreakable mystery, at least for now. In order to understand the Sphinx better it is necessary to review some of the ideas, theories, and hypothesis that have evolved to explain the amazing, ancient structure.
Who Built the Sphinx?
Who built the Sphinx depends entirely on whom one is asking. Traditional explanations, again, refer to the Pharaoh Khafre, others may say that it was another that it was built before Khafre, maybe thousands of years, and there are some researchers, that will argue strongly, that its construction would have been impossible by human beings of that era, so either humanity has far more technological and scientific understanding previously ever thought, or they had help. This help, describe some theorists, may have been divine or extraterrestrial in nature (The History Channel). Regardless, each and every theory has some validity and is based on some very convincing evidence to support their views.
Firstly, the idea that Khafre was the builder, simply, does not match up with the other written historical texts. There is mention that the Pharaoh Khufu, also, seen as Cheops, who ruled before Khafre, in the record he planned to build a temple adjacent to the Sphinx. This means that the Sphinx was already standing long before Khafre ever took over the rule of Egypt. That is not all that separates the likelihood of Khafre being the builder from being accurate. The Sphinx is built from a single piece of limestone; this limestone has taken serious damage throughout the ages. In a desert like Egypt, one would expect the Sphinx exterior to have been stripped of paint, etched by sandblasting and harsh winds. However, the damage to the Sphinx is quite different from other structures in the area. Their damage is quite different from what would be expected, in fact, the damage coincides with water erosion, not sand, sun, and wind. There is pitting that proves that the structure was exposed to an exceptional amount of rainfall and even full submergence in water for a long period of time. There has not been substantial rainfall in this location in Egypt in more than 7,000 years. There are others now who are beginning to consider that the Sphinx may be even older, so much older, that it may even predate when human beings were thought to be building homes, more than 10,000 years ago, let alone megalithic structures, like the Sphinx (Hadingham 1).
When was it Built?
This means that the Sphinx itself was standing long before the people we know as Egyptians even existed. In fact, some experts argue that the Sphinx may predate the biblical flood. However, this also, means that determining who actually built the structure and for what purpose it was intended may be nearly impossible. It could have been a lost civilization of human beings that once resided in the Giza area when it was a green and lush grassland, long before it became an ocean floor, and then an arid desert. This causes a great deal of issues among traditionalist scholars and the new age theorist; these new theories would require us to completely review and potentially change human history.
Modern theorists offer two distinct theories both of which are problematic for traditional scholars. The first is that we have underestimated our own species. These human beings, of the most ancient times, were not as primitive as previously thought. Arguing that the modern world and knowledge, including advanced science and technological understanding, was once known to humanity long ago can be shocking truth. For some reason devastation, sicknesses, warfare, and any number of natural disasters could have destroyed that era and most of the proof of its existence. Granted, this theory does sound like science fiction to many ears. How could we have been advanced and then lose all recollection of those times? However, for many present day researchers, it is the only way to account for the technological and earthmoving endeavors that these ancient peoples were able to achieve (The History Channel) It is not only in Egypt that these theories are being applied. There are other locations all over the world where archaeologists are discovering structures that are altering the human history. This only adds support to the idea of an ancient era in the far distant past where humanity once lived in convenience and comforts comparable to today.
The other theory is even harder for traditional experts, religious historians, and day-today public to swallow. Some theorist offer that humanity simply could not have achieved any of these ancient structures had in not been for the intervention of others. These researchers, often called ancient alien theorists, feel that mankind may have been mixing up advanced technology for divine powers and the humanity was aided by beings that were not human and misinterpreted as gods, angels, and spiritual beings (The History Channel). Obviously, this theory has a somewhat isolated following, however, these theorist do offer a lot of strong evidence to support the consideration of the theory, however far-fetched many may think that it will prove to be. The design and structure of creating a structure like the Sphinx could never have been successfully designed and constructed without the use of modern-like tools, electricity, and the ability to excavate and maneuver heavy sections of stone (Shaw 1). They feel that advanced alien technology could have been used or given to an early human civilization to aid in the construction of such structures for some purpose that is lost to us today. This theory may have a minority following, but the out-of-this-world theory at least offers some explanations that traditional history cannot.
What was it Originally Supposed to Be?
The one thing that mainstreams scholars can agree upon is that the head that is present on the Sphinx today is likely not the original head on the structure. If you look at the Sphinx in profile it is blatantly obvious that there is a lack of proportion present between the size of the body and the much smaller head that sit atop of it. This has given rise to the decade’s long theory that this head is not the head of the structure when it was built. While scholar, historians, and archeologists can concur on the changing of the head, they do not all agree on exactly what it was changed from (Williams 1). This gives credence to the idea that the structure is much older than originally suspected; it is considered that the earliest ancient Egyptians discovered the Sphinx and its enormity became an outlet for the Pharaohs to have the likenesses immortalized in some grand way. After a number of changes the bulk of the head was whittled down. If the Egyptians did discover it then one strong theory is that the huge lion’s body once had a lion’s head. If this is true then it also points away from the Egyptians, because lions specifically were not worshipped by the Egyptians, in fact the bulk the Egyptian Gods were human in form and only animal in head.
One biological aspect of argued is that the body of the Sphinx, does not actually resemble a lion in design. In Egypt art, sculpture and other ancient art, above, the depiction of felines clearly included the sway in the back and high bones of the shoulders, which is indicative of all cats. The Sphinx, however, does not have that elements and the angle of its leg are straighter than a cats resting position. What the body shape does resemble is a canine, particularly, a jackal. If the Sphinx once possessed a jackals head, which would have included pointed ears and long nose. These features would have been the first compromised through time and erosion, likely leaving a rounded stump. This became a canvas for the Egyptians who came after them. A jackal component rings true with some scholars because there is a place for the jackal in Egyptian iconography (The History Channel).Anubis is the jackal-headed god of embalming and aids in the transitioning to the afterlife. If the early Egyptians discovered references to the jackal in the architecture upon the Sphinx it could have originally inspired the earliest parts of the Egyptian religious pantheon. However, at this time the answer to this long-standing question remains definitively unanswered.
What was the Purpose of the Sphinx in the First Place?
In its earliest excavations the Giza Plateau was perceived as a lonely gathering of megalithic structures whose origins and purposes were unknown, but there was a great deal of speculation. Many felt that the pyramids were decadent tomb structures for wealthy and powerful Pharaohs and the Sphinx a grand and terrifying guardian. However, there has never been a mummy found in the Great Pyramid and its interior is not designed as any kind of tomb structure. So then what is the Sphinx guarding and why was it guarding it? The Sphinx is not a lonely monument, but part of a massive complex, a veritable city. Over the decades more and more structures, monuments, and roads are being discovered beneath the sands where the Sphinx stands (Hadingham 1). That said it still raised questions as to what its purpose was. Once again, the purpose of the Sphinx has a number of fascinating theories as to the actual purpose of the grand statue. What appears to be true is that much of the structures found are much newer than the Sphinx, dating from different periods in Egyptian history. This lends credence to the idea that the Egyptians discovered the megalith and build around and incorporated the structure over the years.
The rest of the theories, like a few before it, do tend to sound like science fictions and are difficult to prove. Firstly, for many years there has been as association between the Giza landscape and strange similarities with the certain structures on the planet Mars. Again, without much further investigation on this planet and Mars we simply cannot commit to such a theory. There is a historical purpose ascribed by a man named Edgar Cayce. Cayce was a type of psychic, called the “sleeping prophet” because he could put himself into these deep meditative trances. Once he was submerged he would claim to have visions of ancient Egypt. He believed that the Sphinx was erected by a race of humans to guard a “Hall of Records” that contained the knowledge of mankind’s origins and the all of the knowledge of the Atlantians people; those who survived the destruction of the Island of Atlantis (Hadingham 1). Granted, again, the truth in Cayce’s claims is impossible to prove. While such a room Cayce mentioned has yet to be found, there is a provocative statement made on the stone slab that rests between the legs and against the chest of the Sphinx. It translates to something along the lines of, “Beneath me, I hold the knowledge of mankind and our true origins” (The History Channel). One of the most popular and often discussed reasoning behind the construction of the sphinx, as well as, the pyramids regards the skies. In fact it may be a form of astronomy. Like many cultures Egyptians were also dependent upon weather in order to produce food, therefore studying the stars and heavenly objects become relevant. However, this remains an easily swallowed explanation but current research and the topic of potential explanations; it makes simple sky, sun, moon or star worship less feasible (Hancock and Bauval 37).
That is not the only interesting and inspiring information contained on the slab that rests at the Sphinx. There is, also, a carving of two Sphinxes, back to back, one facing the rising sun in the east and one facing the setting sun in the west. This means that somewhere amidst the buried complex there may be a second Sphinx. If it has been better preserved, then perhaps much of the mysteries of the Great Sphinx will finally be discernible. Then again, if it in worse condition then we may have only a new mystery on our hands (The History Channel). Modern technology has been used to determine the locations of any viable rooms or tunnels that exist within and beneath the Sphinx. Three tunnels have been identified, one leads to a dead end, and the remaining two are far too narrow to be used for human beings to fit into. At least one of the tunnels is thought to be left from the scaffolding used to support the sculptors when it was being carved to add the Pharaoh’s face onto the Sphinx.
Could We Build It Today?
The mythos of Egypt that we have all heard is that they forced thousands upon thousands of slaves to construct the pyramids and the Sphinx. However, there is reason to believe today that this was entirely a myth. In fact, there may have been a very well-respected class of artisans that oversaw teams upon teams of gifted stone workers, painters, and designers. However, while there are references to such people in some historical records, finding further absolute proof has yet to be found (Hancock and Bauval 47). The truth is that with all of our modern implementations, tools, and machinery we very likely could build a Sphinx structure all our own. However, this would inevitable involve hundreds of hours of computer design and configurations, a huge number of construction vehicles, and land movers. Then we would employ machines like diamond tipped drills and laser cutting devices, and immense amount of highly paid workers. However, if we were to try to build it using the materials and tools available in ancient Egypt or presumably before that, there is no reason to assume it could be. Chisels and mallets simply would not be sufficient. Using ancient means even modern builders would be at a complete loss as to how to achieve such a lofty architectural goal.
CONCLUSION
The Sphinx stands as a breathtaking monument and unending reminder of Ancient Egypt. Despite all of the mysteries and unanswered questions regarding the Sphinx what is absolutely certain is that it does exist, it is very real, and has withstood the test of time. Someone had to have built it, someone had a good reason to build it, and it has a purpose or a meaning, even if the meaning remains lost to us. It is possible that the Sphinx will always keep its secrets. However, if it does not, the discoveries that the Sphinx reveals may change the entire outlooks and ideals that many hold dear. It may be necessary to rewrite the human story in order to accommodate the amazing new information that continues to surface regarding the Sphinx. It is likely much older than ever expected and may be proven to precede the Egyptian Dynasties. The answers may be very different than those we are expecting. Regardless, until that time comes, the Sphinx will continue to stand strong to meet the sun and watch over the desert in silence and mystery.
WORK CITED
Hadingham, Evan. "Uncovering Secrets of the Sphinx." Smithsonian Magazine. Feb 2010: 1. Web. 29 Nov. 2014. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/uncovering-secrets-of-the-sphinx-5053442/?no-ist>.
Hancock , Graham, and Robert Bauval . The Message of the Sphinx: A Quest for the Hidden Legacy of Mankind. Crown Publishing: New York, 2009. 1-389. Print.
Shaw, Jonathan. "Who Built the Pyramids?." Harvard Magazine. August 2003: 1. Web. 29 Nov. 2014. <http://harvardmagazine.com/2003/07/who-built-the-pyramids-html>.
Williams, Paige. "How Old is the Sphinx." NBC News 2013, 1. Web. 29 Nov. 2014. <http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3077390/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/how-old-sphinx/
The History Channel, , dir. "Mysteries of the Sphinx." Ancient Aliens. History Channel: HIS, online, 2014. Television. <http://www.history.com/shows/ancient-aliens/videos/mysteries-of-the-sphin&xgt
