Sphinx

Dates Built: undetermined
Total Weight: undetermined
Base: 187 feet (57 m) in length
Width: Face is 20 feet (6 m) wide
Construction Material: Soft limestone
Height: Total height is 66 feet (20 m), 30 feet (9.15 m) high from chin to head

The word "Sphinx" used by the Greeks derives perhaps from the Egyptian Shesepankh "Living Statue". It designates a type of statue joining a human head to the body of a lion and symbolizes sovereignty combining the strength of the lion with a human intelligence. The Egyptian Sphinx, with only a few exceptions, represented Queens of the Middle Kingdom, shown as male. The Egyptian Sphinx was viewed as a benevolent guardian, whereas the Greek Sphinx was invariably malevolent towards people. As an embodiment of royal power, the Sphinx was often shown smiting the King's enemies. The King himself was sometimes represented as a victorious Sphinx trampling on his foes. This Sphinx represents King Thutmosis III wearing a striped "Nemes" headcloth protected by an Uraeus and a false beard.

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