An investigation into the origins of the Sphinx and its first excavation in modern times! | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Sphinx of Giza, an iconic monument with a long history, may be older than previously believed and holds clues to the existence of ancient civilizations predating our current understanding of human civilization.

Key Insights

• 👷 The excavation work done by Giovanni Cavigula in the early 19th century provided valuable insights into the history and construction of the Sphinx.
• 🤕 The Sphinx's age is a topic of debate, with evidence suggesting it may be older than the Fourth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt.
• ❣️ The presence of erosion patterns on the Sphinx's enclosure indicates a history of heavy rainfall, potentially dating back thousands of years.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What evidence suggests that the Sphinx may be older than previously believed?

Geological evidence, such as erosion patterns on the limestone walls of the Sphinx's enclosure, indicates that heavy rainfall occurred in the region thousands of years ago, suggesting an older age for the statue.

Q: Who was Giovanni Cavigula, and what did he uncover during his excavation of the Sphinx?

Giovanni Cavigula was a merchant ship captain and explorer who excavated the Sphinx in 1817. He uncovered parts of the Sphinx's chest, its paws, and various artifacts, including a granite stela and fragments of its beard.

Q: What role did the Romans play in the excavation of the Sphinx?

The Romans excavated the Sphinx during their occupation of Egypt, but the monument was eventually buried in sand once again. Napoleon Bonaparte's expedition in the late 18th century also involved some digging around the Sphinx, but only the back of the monument was uncovered.

Q: Is there any evidence of hidden chambers or tunnels beneath the Sphinx?

There have been reports and accounts throughout history of the existence of chambers and tunnels beneath the Sphinx. While some entrances have been sealed off, seismic surveys and other exploratory methods have indicated the presence of potential cavities underground.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Sphinx of Giza, originally thought to be from the Fourth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, may have a much longer history than previously assumed.

• The accounts of Giovanni Cavigula's excavation in the early 19th century shed new light on the Sphinx's first excavation in modern times.

• The Sphinx has been buried in sand for the majority of human civilization, which has affected its age and erosion patterns.

• The presence of potentially hidden chambers and tunnels beneath the Sphinx raises questions about its purpose and origins.