Research Paper On The Great Sphinx Of Giza

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most famous and recognizable monuments of ancient Egypt. It is located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt (located in Giza Necropolis). The Great Sphinx of Giza is believed to have been built around 2530 B.C.E. It is made of limestone and represents a sphinx, which is a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. The statue was cut directly out of a bed of limestone rock. From the paw to the tail of the Sphinx, it measures 240 feet long. It is also 66 feet tall and 62 feet wide. It is unknown of who the exact architect or architects of the Great Sphinx of Giza are, but it is believed that laborers, artisans, and architects are the ones who created the enormous statue. Ancient Egyptians tend to

The Great Sphinx of Giza has many important features that can be visually analyzed. As mentioned earlier, the Sphinx portrays a mythical creature with a human head and a lion body. The facial features of the statue are believed to resemble and capture the likeness of Pharaoh Khafre (also known as Pharaoh Chephren). Since the ancient Egyptians liked to use symbolism in their art and architecture, the pharaoh-looking, human head of the Sphinx most likely symbolizes human intelligence, authority, and royal power, while the muscular lion body symbolizes physical strength. Altogether, the enormous size and eroded facial features of the Great Sphinx of Giza create a sense of ancient power and endurance. Because of this, it is understandable why the ancient Egyptians saw this statue as a guardian that protects the necropolis of Giza. The historical context and aesthetic qualities of the Great Sphinx of Giza are also important to talk about. The historical context is that the Great Sphinx of Giza was created during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, which was around 2530