Among the many mysteries they pose, one question has sparked a considerable debate: Is the Sphinx older than the pyramids? This inquiry brings out the historical background and timeline of these colossal structures and as a result, alters our history of the civilization of the Egyptians.
In this article, the reader will learn about all the arguments and debates, proofs and hypotheses connected with age, and links of the Sphinx to the pyramids, thus disclosing one of the world's oldest mysteries.
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Is the Sphinx Older Than the Pyramids?
The historical or traditional outlook holds that the Great Sphinx was built during the time of the third dynasty during the reign of King Khafre (2558–2532 BC) who built the second pyramid at Giza.
They concluded this would make the Sphinx less than the Pyramids, especially the pyramid of Khufu, which was built around 2580-2560 BC.
The Sphinx is routinely said to depict Khafre, the entire body of the animal is depicted as a lion with the head of the king, to display strength.
This point of view is supported by the fact that the Sphinx is located near Khafre’s pyramid and the similarity in the style of the Sphinx and the statues of Khafre.
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Which Came First: The Pyramids or the Sphinx?
- This means that to solve the key question, regarding is the sphinx older than the pyramids?, one must turn to history.
- The location of the Sphinx and the pyramids is the Giza Plateau which was occupied during the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt dating between 2613 and 2494 BC known as the age of pyramids.
- Most scholars agree that the Sphinx was built during the reign of Khephren who ruled the country from 2558-2532 BC thus making it younger than the pyramids especially the Great Pyramid built by Khephren.
- However, some theories state that the Sphinx could have been built way before the pyramids were built.
- Some proponents like the geologist Dr.Robert Schoch claimed that the water erosion on the body of the Sphinx means that it was built much earlier before the pyramids for instance 7000- 5000 BC, at least.
- As for the opinions concerning the age of the Sphinx, this theory can be considered as evidence that the Sphinx is older than the pyramids.
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How Old Are the Sphinx and Pyramids?
The Pyramids
The pyramids at Giza consist of three pyramids including the largest one known as the Great Pyramid of Khufu where constructed during the Fourth dynasty during 2580- 2560 B.C.
The so-called Sphinx memorial can be attributed to the pyramid of Khafre which was constructed during 2570 BCE. These dates are confirmed by archaeological evidence however is the Sphinx older than the pyramids?
The Sphinx
If the Sphinx was carved during the reign of Khafre as tradition has it then it was over 4500 years old.
The age of the Sphinx is so immense that it is at least one and half times older than the pyramids mining at least 9,000 years.
Were the Sphinx and Pyramids Built at the Same Time?
From a historical perspective, the researchers assume that the Sphinx, the lions, and the pyramids were constructed at the beginning of Khafre rule.
But, it is the opposite if is the sphinx older than the pyramids then, the pyramids could have been built later to complement an ageless creation such as the Sphinx.
This theory challenges the conventional timeline and adds another layer to the question: There is an empiric question: “Is the Sphinx older than the pyramids?
Read Also: Did Thoth Built The Pyramids
Is the Sphinx 26,000 Years Old?
Some theories remain conjectural at best, which state that the Sphinx might be as old as 26000 years.
This view has its basis on astronomical and geographical prospects indicating that the build of the Sphinx could have taken place in an earlier age than what has been archeologically estimated.
Despite this, all can only agree that this is an interesting theory, but still up to this date the question of whether is the sphinx older than the pyramids.
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What Did the Sphinx Originally Look Like?
This is to mean that, what we see today as the Sphinx statue is a worn-out version of the original statue.
At first, it may have had a finer-faced representation for instance a figure of pharaoh Khafre while the rest of the body may have been smoothened with plaster and painted in bright pigments.
Unfortunately, through the ages the Sphinx has greatly deteriorated; nonetheless, the question as to which is older the Sphinx or the pyramids? Still sparks much interest in those who search into the enigma of its creation.
How Many Sides Do the Pyramids Have?
Shockingly, the so-called Great Pyramid of Giza has eight sides and not four as most structures.
This particular form of design is indeed discreet and only becomes visible when viewed from the bird’s eye view depending on several factors such as lighting.
The eight-sided feature adds to the pyramid's complexity, but it does not directly answer the question: They regularly and proactively pose characteristic questions to one another such as, Is the Sphinx older than the pyramids?
Conclusion
The question Is the Sphinx older than the pyramids? continues to spark debate and curiosity.
While the traditional view places the Sphinx as a contemporary of the pyramids, built during the reign of Khafre, alternative theories suggest a much older origin.
Whether the Sphinx is 4,500 years old or closer to 26,000 years old, its age remains a captivating mystery that draws people from around the world to explore its secrets.
For those eager to delve into this mystery, Egypt Online Tour agencies offer a variety of packages, such as the 10 Days Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Hurghada Overland Tour, which provides an immersive experience into the heart of ancient Egypt and the enduring question: Is the Sphinx older than the pyramids?
