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The Great Sphinx of Giza, a massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, is one of the most recognizable and mysterious monuments in the world. Located on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, near the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries. - The Sphinx was carved from a natural outcrop of limestone and is thought to have been built around 2500 BC, during the reign of the pharaoh Khafre. The statue is 240 feet long, 66 feet high, and 62 feet wide, and is thought to weigh over 6 million pounds. - The Sphinx has been partially buried in sand for most of its history. The first recorded attempt to excavate the Sphinx was in 1817, by the French archaeologist Jean-Baptiste Belzoni. However, it was not until 1886 that the Sphinx was fully excavated, under the direction of the French archaeologist Gaston Maspero. - The excavation of the Sphinx revealed a number of interesting details about the statue. For example, it was discovered that the Sphinx had originally been painted red, white, and blue. It was also discovered that the Sphinx had been repaired several times over the centuries. - The Sphinx has been the subject of much speculation and debate over the centuries. Some people believe that the Sphinx is a representation of the Egyptian god Horus, while others believe that it is a portrait of the pharaoh Khafre. There have also been theories that the Sphinx is much older than the pyramids and that it was built by a lost civilization. - In recent years, the Sphinx has been the subject of a number of conservation efforts. These efforts have included cleaning the Sphinx, repairing damage to the statue, and protecting it from the elements. - The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most iconic and mysterious monuments in the world. It is a symbol of ancient Egypt and a reminder of the power and ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. - The Great Sphinx: The Great Sphinx is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. The Sphinx is often depicted as having wings, but the Sphinx at Giza does not have wings. - The Sphinx is first mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts from the Middle Kingdom period (2055-1650 BC). In these texts, the Sphinx is often associated with the god Horus. - The Sphinx is also mentioned in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, the Sphinx is a monstrous creature that guards the city of Thebes. The Sphinx poses a riddle to travelers who pass through Thebes. If the traveler cannot answer the riddle, the Sphinx kills them. - The Sphinx at Giza is thought to be a representation of the Egyptian god Horus. However, some people believe that the Sphinx is a portrait of the pharaoh Khafre. - Mythology and Conspiracy: The Sphinx has been the subject of much speculation and debate over the centuries. Some people believe that the Sphinx is much older than the pyramids and that it was built by a lost civilization. - There have also been theories that the Sphinx is a warning from ancient civilizations about the dangers of climate change. - In recent years, the Sphinx has been the subject of a number of conspiracy theories. Some people believe that the Sphinx is a secret entrance to an underground city. Others believe that the Sphinx is a sign of an impending apocalypse. - Conclusion: The Great Sphinx of Giza is a fascinating and mysterious monument. It is a symbol of ancient Egypt and a reminder of the power and ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. The Sphinx continues to captivate the imaginations of people around the world. - Vintage 1887 image of the Sphinx in public domain.