How Did People Know about the Great Sphinx of Egypt, Before Its Claws Were Unearthed?

The Great Sphinx of Egypt is a magnificent and enigmatic monument that has captivated the imagination of scholars and visitors for centuries. Contrary to popular belief, ancient Egyptians were aware of its existence long before its intricately carved claws were unearthed in the 19th century. This article explores how people knew about the Great Sphinx, highlighting significant moments in its history and how it was preserved and revered throughout the ages.

Construction and Appreciation in Ancient Egypt

One of the earliest known references to the Great Sphinx is attributed to the Pharaoh Khafre, who reigned during the 4th Dynasty, around the 26th century BC. Historical records and inscriptions suggest that the Sphinx was built as a guardian of the necropolis at Giza, with the head of a pharaoh and the body of a lion. Ancient Egyptians considered the Sphinx a powerful spiritual guardian, often including its image in tomb complexes and temple rituals, much like other significant symbols of the era.

From the time of its construction, the Great Sphinx was an important site of pilgrimage and reverence. Ancient Egyptians would visit and offer prayers, gifts, and offerings to ensure good fortune and protection. It is believed that even when sands began to accumulate around the structure, it was never completely forgotten, as it remained an essential part of religious and cultural practices.

Progressive Unearthing and Preservation

Over the centuries, the Great Sphinx faced several periods of partial excavation and preservation efforts. One of the first known documented interventions came in the 14th century BC during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose IV. While the claws of the Sphinx were not unearthed until the late 19th century, earlier efforts to clear the sand around the monument had been made. Thutmose IV, through inscriptions on the Dream Stele, recorded how he was instructed by the god Horus to clear the sand and dedicate a canopy to the Sphinx. This act not only helped reveal parts of the Sphinx but also reinforced its importance as a revered site.

Subsequent to the efforts of Thutmose IV, the Great Sphinx continued to be maintained and respected by various rulers and communities. During the Mamluk period, Egyptians continued to visit and offer sacrifices to the Sphinx, hoping for better agricultural yields and prosperity. However, with the decline of Mamluk control and the rise of Ottoman rule, the Sphinx, along with many other important cultural and historical sites, fell into neglect and obscurity.

The Role of Europeans

The European fascination with the Sphinx began in earnest in the late 18th century during the Age of Enlightenment when the writings of exploring scholars like Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Egypt brought renewed attention to the monument. The expedition, known as the Napoleonic Expedition, not only provided valuable insights into the history and culture of ancient Egypt but also prompted a wave of European interest in the region.

Through the works of early archaeologists and explorers such as Giovanni Battista Belzoni in 1816 and Richard Lepsius in the mid-19th century, the Sphinx and its surroundings were systematically surveyed and documented. It was during these explorations that the claws of the Sphinx, along with other key features, were formally discovered and recorded, solidifying its place in the pantheon of ancient Egyptian monuments.

Conclusion

The Great Sphinx of Egypt is more than just a monumental sculpture; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt and its spiritual beliefs. The fact that the Sphinx was not unearthed and rediscovered until the late 19th century does not diminish its importance; rather, it highlights the continuous reverence and knowledge of it held by the ancient Egyptians for millennia. Through the efforts of various pharaohs, rulers, and communities, the Great Sphinx remains a symbol of enduring knowledge and the resilience of human history.