Maintenance at Temple Leads Archaeologists Straight to Hidden Ancient Sphinx
A recently discovered sphinx in Egypt has captivated the imaginations of people across the globe.
Few details are known about the sphinx at this time, leaving us to enjoy the awe and mystery of contemplating the discovery of something that has likely been buried for thousands of years.
The mythological sphinx is a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human.
In ancient Egyptian history, the sphinx head often depicted a Pharoah or a god.
The placement of the sphinx was usually very intentional, used to guard sacred areas like a tomb or temple.
The Ministry of Antiquities, based out of Cairo, Egypt, announced on Sept. 16 that archaeologists discovered a sphinx in the Temple of Kom Ombo in the southern city of Aswan, Egypt.
The sphinx was discovered during a project to reduce the groundwater level around the temple.
Dr. Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, believes the statue dates back to the Ptolemaic era.
“The discovered statue most probably dates back to the Ptolemaic era as it was found in the south-eastern side of Kom Ombo temple,” the Ministry of Antiquities wrote in a statement, “the same location where the two sandstone reliefs of King Ptolemy V were previously uncovered 2 months ago.”
The Ptolemaic Dynasty ruled Egypt for approximately 300 years, from around 320 B.C. to about 30 B.C.
Abdel Moneim Saeed, general director of the Aswan Antiquities “said that the mission will conduct more archaeological studies to know more information about the newly discovered sphinx.”
Saeed added that the sphinx bears similarities to the two previously uncovered reliefs of King Ptolemy V, which were also made of sandstone.
The two reliefs were inscribed with “hieroglyphics and demotic writings” and were relocated to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization for display.
The sphinx discovery, along with the other recent archeological discoveries, could mean an uptick in tourism for the Egyptian economy.
CTV News reported that tourism needs a boost after Egyptian political turmoil beginning in 2011 reduced the number of sightseers and adventurers to the area.
Would you consider making the trek to Egypt to marvel at such ancient discoveries?
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