The Great Sphinx at Giza: Date and Function
Hawass, Zahi (Cairo)
Sesto Congresso Internazionale di Egittologia, Atti, Vol. II (1993)
Abstract
The Sphinx is one of the most important monuments in the world. It is unique in ancient Egypt. It is also considered to be the first colossal royal statue in pharaonic Egypt (fig. I) The Sphinx is a representation of a lion with a king’s face and head. The king wears the Nemes headdress and a false beard. It is very difficult to decide whether this beard dates from the Old Kingdom or the New Kingdom. The most recent geological studies strongly suggest that the beard is from the Old Kingdom, part of the original limestone from which the Sphinx was carved. This material is dated to the Middle Eocene, about 50 million years ag02
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The Great Sphinx at Giza: Date and Function
Hawass, Zahi (Cairo)
Sesto Congresso Internazionale di Egittologia, Atti, Vol. II (1993)
Abstract
The Sphinx is one of the most important monuments in the world. It is unique in ancient Egypt. It is also considered to be the first colossal royal statue in pharaonic Egypt (fig. I) The Sphinx is a representation of a lion with a king’s face and head. The king wears the Nemes headdress and a false beard. It is very difficult to decide whether this beard dates from the Old Kingdom or the New Kingdom. The most recent geological studies strongly suggest that the beard is from the Old Kingdom, part of the original limestone from which the Sphinx was carved. This material is dated to the Middle Eocene, about 50 million years ag02
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