The Great Sphinx of Giza is an iconic and enigmatic monument located on the Giza Plateau, near Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt and an integral part of the Giza Necropolis, which also includes the famous Pyramids of Giza. The Sphinx is located near the Pyramids of Giza, and its precise purpose remains a subject of debate among historians and Egyptologists. It is often thought to have been built as a guardian statue for the pyramids and their associated complexes. The combination of the lion’s body and the pharaoh’s head in the Sphinx carries symbolic significance. The lion represents strength and power, while the pharaoh’s head represents divine authority and rulership. The Sphinx is famously missing its nose, which is believed to have been damaged or destroyed by various factors over the centuries. Here are some facts about the Great Sphinx of Giza:
The Great Pyramid of Giza is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as “Memphis and its Necropolis—the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur.” This remarkable site is situated at the heart of the Nile’s western floodplain in Egypt. It encompasses various ancient ruins, including the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, Dahshur, Abu Ruwaysh, and Abusir. In 1979, UNESCO collectively recognized these sites as a World Heritage site. The Great Pyramid of Giza holds a special place within this complex. It stands as the largest Egyptian pyramid and served as the monumental tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, who ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Constructed in the early 26th century BC, over a span of approximately 27 years, this pyramid is not only the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World but also the sole wonder that has remained largely intact through the ages.
Memphis and its Necropolis go south from the Giza plateau, through Zawyet Elarian, Abu Ghurab, Abusir, Mit Rahina, and Saqqara, and north as far as Dahshur.
Memphis and its Necropolis—the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur on Egypt's western bank of the Nile—were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.