Sphinx Location and Geographical Landmarks
The Sphinx of Giza is an ancient monument located in the city of Giza, Egypt, located 2.5 kilometers southwest of the Giza pyramid complex. It is believed to have been situated on the limestone plateau from the earliest times of its construction, which place the Sphinx in a slightly elevated region and overlooking the Nile valley. Its proximity to the Nile river, from which it is just a few kilometres away, is of great importance for the understanding of its symbolism.
The Sphinx is oriented so that the head is looking to the east, towards the sunrise over the nearby Nile river, which is the source of Egypt’s life-giving water and agricultural wealth. It is generally accepted that ancient Egyptians saw connections between the sun, river and the Pharaohs. The Sphinx, then, may represent a physical representation of the divine Pharaoh, signing a covenant between the earth, the sun, the river, and the pharaoh.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sphinx is its size. Measuring 73.5 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 6 meters high, it is one of the largest sculptures of its type in the world. Its body proportion is said to be similar to the proportions of Horus, a major figure in Egyptian mythology and part of the relationship between the sun, river, and Pharaoh. Additionally, its tail is carved with hieroglyphs, and traces of red paint are still visible.
Theories About the Origin of the Sphinx
The exact date and purpose of the Sphinx’s construction are unknown, although it is believed to have been built during the Old Kingdom period of Egypt. There are a number of theories that have been proposed to explain the origin of the Sphinx. One theory is that the construction of the sphinx was intended to commemorate a particular king, who was believed to have been the son of the sun god Ra, or Lord of the Universe.
A second theory suggests that the Sphinx is of Kemetic (also known as Ancient Egyptian) origin, a reminder of the gods’ power and eternity. This theory further proposes that the face of the Sphinx was created to resemble that of the Pharaoh Khafre, the builder of the second pyramid of the Giza complex.
A third theory proposes that the Sphinx dates back to 7000 BCE, and was built by a pre-dynastic civilization. This theory is based on the discovery of a nearby mastaba (a mortar-and-stone structure) containing a series of hieroglyphs carved in quartz and limestone. These hieroglyphs are believed to predate those associated with the Old Kingdom.
A final theory proposed by some scholars is that the Sphinx was created as a representation of Amenhotep II, the Pharaoh who ruled Egypt in the 15th century BCE. It is suggested that this Pharaoh had a strong devotion to the sun god Ra and incorporated the sphinx into his worship of that deity.
Scholarly Interpretations of the Sphinx
For centuries scholars have attempted to decipher the riddle of the Sphinx. In his book The Library of Greek Mythology, Robert Graves argues that the Sphinx symbolically represents both human arrogance and human intelligence. He posits that the Sphinx was created to represent the power of kings, and the superiority of their intellect over those of their subjects.
In Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian epic, the riddle of the Sphinx is a test of moral strength, in which the answer requires the hero to choose between two options. In this context, the Sphinx may be interpreted as a symbol of morality and divine justice.
The French thinker Voltaire argued that the riddle of the Sphinx was actually a representation of Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of wisdom and knowledge. By answer the riddle, he suggested, the Sphinx was actually providing a lesson in morality. In paintings like the Isis and Osiris, by William Blake, the Sphinx is portrayed as a wise guardian, watching over the hero as he navigates his moral dilemma.
Symbolism of the Sphinx
The symbolism of the Sphinx has long been a source of mystery and fascination. Ancient Egyptians, for example, believed that the Sphinx was a symbolic representation of the god Hapimini, or Lord of the Horizons. According to them, the Sphinx was a reminder of the god’s power and illustriousness.
In modern times, the Sphinx also continues to be a source of fascination and inspiration. In some interpretations, it symbolizes the power of the human intellect and the endless quest to solve the mysteries of the universe. It can also be seen as a reminder of our mortality and the fragility of life, yet also an assurance of the promise of immortality.
Distance from the Nile River
The Sphinx is located a few kilometers away from the Nile River and in close proximity to the Giza Pyramid Complex. As such, it has a vantage point overlooking the Nile and is a stone’s throw away from the river, a river considered so important to Egyptian life and culture.
The mythological significance of the Nile and the Sphinx go hand in hand. The river has been linked to the gods, to fertility and to the Pharaohs who were believed to be son’s of the sun god Ra, and the Sphinx was seen as a symbol of divine power and eternity and is considered to have very striking similarities to Horus. The close proximity of these two features of Egypt’s ancient landscape lends an indescribably powerful and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Conclusion
The Sphinx is one of the most iconic symbols in Egypt and has long been a source of mystery and intrigue. Closely linked to the Nile river and the powerful Pharaohs and gods of Egypt, the Sphinx continues to symbolize physical and spiritual power, as well as reminding us to stay curious, ask questions, and look for answers.
