Sphinx

The true purpose of the Egyptian Sphinx—especially the Great Sphinx of Giza—remains uncertain, with scholars offering several competing theories but no definitive answer. One widely held idea is that the Sphinx served as a guardian of the nearby pyramids, particularly the Pyramid of Khafre, possibly intended to ward off evil or symbolize royal authority. Another theory links the Sphinx to the sun god Ra, noting its eastward orientation toward the sunrise and suggesting a solar or religious significance tied to the afterlife.

Many believe the Sphinx may be a likeness of Pharaoh Khafre himself, created as a political or commemorative monument to immortalize his rule in divine form. Others propose astronomical interpretations, suggesting that the Sphinx may align with certain constellations or celestial events, reflecting ancient Egyptian cosmology.

Additionally, the water erosion hypothesis argues that the Sphinx’s body shows signs of weathering from heavy rainfall, implying it could be much older than traditionally believed. However, this idea is controversial and not widely accepted within mainstream Egyptology.