The Sphinx of Giza is an awe inspiring monument that has been the subject of many fascinating legends and stories. It's a huge limestone sculpture of a mythological creature with a lion's body and a human head, which is said to have been carved by the Pharaoh Khafre.
The Sphinx is a must see during your visit to Egypt! However, despite its impressive size and awe-inspiring appearance it can get quite crowded.
1. Get There Early
If you want to experience the Sphinx in all its glory, it’s important to get there early. The old adage, “The early bird gets the worm,” might not sound appealing today, but it’s certainly true.
It’s also a good idea to arrive early to explore the surrounding area. Archaeologists have uncovered thousands of tombs, temples and quarries in the two square miles surrounding Giza.
In this way, you’ll see all of the major components of this ancient city and how they fit together. You’ll be able to take a more detailed look at each of them and learn a lot about Egyptian culture.
The Sphinx is a carved limestone figure that depicts a part lion and part human being, but it’s not clear who built it or when. Most Egyptologists and archaeologists believe that Pharaoh Khafre commissioned the monument, which was erected around 2558 BCE.
2. Be Prepared
The Great Sphinx is one of the most iconic and famous structures in Egypt. It is a 241-foot (74 m) long sculpture carved out of the limestone bedrock of the Giza plateau.
As a symbol of antiquity and mystery, the Sphinx has fascinated and inspired poets, travelers, adventurers, and scientists over the centuries. Its origins are still an enigma.
When you visit the Sphinx, make sure to be prepared. You will want to wear lots of sun cream, and bring a hat, sunglasses, and a scarf with you.
Also, make sure to bring plenty of water with you so you can stay hydrated and avoid dehydration. The Sphinx is located on the West Bank of the Giza Plateau, so it’s important to be aware of how much sun you are exposed to while you’re there.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
It isn’t a very good idea to be afraid to ask questions when you visit the Sphinx. Fortunately, this isn’t something that should be too much of an issue if you’re visiting Giza in Egypt because there are a lot of great people who are happy to help you out.
It’s a stony puzzle that’s been around for thousands of years and nobody knows exactly what it was originally called. Some archeologists believe it was named for its head, which is carved in the likeness of King Khafre, and others think it was named for a female pharaoh called Hatshepsut.
But it doesn’t matter what the name of this sculpture was, because it remains one of the most famous in the world and is a symbol of power and royalty. In ancient times, these statues were often surrounded by a lion’s mane and had faces that represented a pharaoh or god. The most famous of these statues is the Great Sphinx that guards the pyramid tombs of Giza, near Cairo.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Photos
Whenever you first approach the Sphinx, it’s important to take plenty of photos. Don’t be afraid to snap the crap out of these imposing pyramids and monuments, because you won’t have that opportunity soon enough.
The Sphinx is a colossal stone sculpture that guards the Giza tombs. He faces the sunrise and was carved around 2500 BC to represent Pharaoh Khafra.
He was made from a single piece of limestone that had been shaped by a thousand laborers over three years. They used copper chisels to carve it, which became blunt after just a few blows.
The Sphinx’s face has been badly damaged by time and weather, but remnants of red pigment still make it look like it once was a colorful, cartoony creature. Traces of blue and yellow paint also appear on the sphinx, which suggests that the statue may have once been painted in vibrant colors.
