Egypt
Great Sphinx of Giza
Welcome to Egypt! The Great Sphinx has the body of a mighty lion and the face of a pharaoh, and it's been sitting watch beside the pyramids since ancient times.
Why is it famous?
It's one of the largest and oldest statues on Earth — 73 meters (240 feet) long and 20 meters (66 feet) tall.
It has the body of a powerful lion and the head of a pharaoh, blending strength with royal power in one giant statue.
How was it built?
Ancient Egyptian workers carved the entire statue directly out of one huge piece of natural limestone rock, rather than stacking blocks together.
It was carved almost 4,500 years ago, likely to represent the pharaoh Khafre, whose pyramid stands close by.
Amazing facts
Nobody knows for certain how the Sphinx's nose broke off, though it happened long, long ago.
Sand has completely buried the Sphinx up to its shoulders multiple times throughout history — it had to be dug out again and again.
Quick facts
- Nobody knows for certain how the Sphinx's nose broke off, though it happened long, long ago.
- Sand has completely buried the Sphinx up to its shoulders multiple times throughout history — it had to be dug out again and again.
- Its local Arabic name, Abu al-Hawl, means 'Father of Terror.'
- Long ago, some people believed the Sphinx was magical and could protect the land from the desert.