The Sphinx is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human or a god, typically depicted wearing a pharaoh's headdress. The most famous Sphinx is the Great Sphinx of Giza, located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt. Carved from limestone, it measures approximately 20 meters (66 feet) in height and 73 meters (240 feet) in length, making it one of the largest and oldest statues in the world.
Scholars believe the Great Sphinx was built during the reign of the pharaoh Khafre (c. 2558–2532 BCE), although its exact purpose and significance remain a subject of debate. It is thought to represent the pharaoh as the divine protector of Egypt, embodying strength, wisdom, and royal authority.
The Sphinx is situated facing the rising sun, guarding the pyramids and temples of Giza. Its location and orientation have led to various interpretations regarding its symbolic meaning and celestial significance in ancient Egyptian religion and mythology.
Over the millennia, the Great Sphinx has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its structure and features. Despite erosion and damage from natural elements and human activity, it continues to captivate visitors from around the world, standing as a timeless symbol of Egypt's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of its ancient civilization.