The Sphinx: Guardian of Secrets or Window to the Past?

The Great Sphinx of Giza stands as Egypt's most mysterious guardian, but when was it carved, and by whom? The orthodox view attributes its creation to Pharaoh Khafre around 2500 BCE, as part of his pyramid complex. However, geologist Robert Schoch's controversial water erosion hypothesis suggests the Sphinx is far older, possibly dating to 10,500 BCE when the region experienced different climate conditions. The distinctive weathering patterns on the Sphinx's body, he argues, could only have been caused by sustained rainfall—not the wind and sand erosion seen on nearby monuments. Egyptologists counter that the Sphinx's face resembles Khafre and that the geological evidence can be explained by other factors. They point to the monument's integration with the Fourth Dynasty temple complex and consistent architectural style. Meanwhile, recent ground-penetrating radar has detected what appear to be chambers beneath the Sphinx's paws, adding another layer of mystery. What secrets might these hidden spaces contain? As with so many ancient mysteries, the evidence points in different directions, inviting us to question what we think we know about the past.

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