Why Was the Great Sphinx Built? Discover the History and Secrets of This Cairo Landmark

Feb 5, 2025

The Great Sphinx of Giza, an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt, has stood proudly near the Pyramids of Giza just on the outskirts of Cairo. The Sphinx of Giza is a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh that has been a source of fascination and intrigue for historians, archeologists, and world travelers for centuries. This mammoth creation of the Old Kingdom is arguably the most famous monument from ancient Egypt, symbolizing the power and mystery that surrounded the ancient world.

The Great Sphinx of Giza was carved entirely from a single mass of limestone bedrock. The statue was built during the rule of Pharaoh Khafre during the Old Kingdom’s Fourth Dynasty, between 2575 BCE and 2467 BCE. His pyramid, on whose eastern side the Sphinx stands, includes extensive granite-lined rooms and would have been much more elaborate if it matched that of his father or grandfather. Khafre is best known for overseeing the construction of the second pyramid of Giza, which is the structure that appears beside the Sphinx in photos.

Egyptologists maintain that the Sphinx was constructed to look like Khafre, serving as an embodiment of the king in the strength and might of the lion’s body, while positioning the Pharaoh as a divine entity linking him to the gods with the human head. Oriented to the east, the Great Sphinx may have had important cosmological connections and astrological alignments within the early funerary cult of the sun god Ra.

Purpose and Significance of the Sphinx

Archaeologists have not reached a consensus on why the Sphinx was constructed. Some say that it was built as a figure of protection, overlooking the pharaohs’ tombs in the nearby pyramids, while others suggest it may have religious and symbolic significance related to the god Ra. This could be related to worship of the sun, given the Sphinx’s position and orientation toward the sun.

Moreover, the Sphinx is thought to have played a role in the burial rituals of the ancient Egyptians. The Great Sphinx, acting like a giant guardian, would have symbolised protection over the sacred burial grounds of kings, providing a level of immortality for their future lives. The curiosity that it has generated over millennia following various extant cultures, such as the Greeks in the 5th century BC and the Romans, further contributes towards an enduring mystique as a symbol steeped in tradition and learning.

Conclusion

Because of the Sphinx, its sheer dominance, and timelessness, it makes a perfect subject for photography. Combining the mystery of the Sphinx with the pyramids in the backdrop in the desert landscape results in a dramatized glimpse of one of Earth's most ancient monuments. Regardless of whether you prefer to explore the area independently or as part of a guided tour, the memory of your visit to the site will stay with you for a lifetime.

The construction of the Sphinx also signified the power of the Pharaoh as well as the ambition of a ruler to leave a lasting legacy. Egypt of old was a bedrock of religion and faith, with a heavy emphasis on the promise of eternal life. Standing there today, the Sphinx is a striking example of human endeavor, and a symbol of both the wealth and ambition of the Egyptians. The Great Sphinx and its position near the Pyramids of Giza suggest the central importance of the afterlife in Egyptian life. The Sphinx was a reflection not just of the power of one ruler but of the tireless efforts of Egypt’s workers, artisans, and builders who dedicated themselves to creating this awe-inspiring monument.