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A new sphinx has now been discovered in a two-storey tomb, which has two clear differences compared to previous finds.
Downloaded from www.picturedesk.com on 03/09/2023 (14:28). (230306) -- QENA (EGYPT), March 6, 2023 (Xinhua) -- The undated photo shows an archaeologist unearthing a lime-stone sphinx in Qena province, southern Egypt. An Egyptian archaeological mission unveiled a lime-stone sphinx and a stele that dated back to the Roman era in Qena province, the country's Antiquity Ministry said in a statement on Monday. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Handout via Xinhua).Xinhua News Agency / eyevine :...https://. - 20230307_PD1893 - Rights Info: Rights Managed (RM)© Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and / Eyevine / picturedesk.com
For Egypt vacationers, the Sphinx is definitely one of the highlights of the trip. Another could now be added: Archaeologists have discovered a "smiling sphinx with two dimples" near the temple of Dendera in southern Egypt.
The temple itself dates back to Greco-Roman times and was then dedicated to the goddess Hathor. It has been well preserved to this day because it was buried for a long time and was therefore protected from wind and weather. It was not until 1845 that it was gradually uncovered again.
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What is special about the find are the dimples on the one hand, and on the other hand the Sphinx is slightly smaller than an adult human being and therefore not comparable to its famous 20 meter high counterpart in Gizeh.
According to the scientists, in addition to the limestone sphinx discovered in a two-story tomb, there was also a Roman stele with ancient Egyptian inscriptions and hieroglyphs. These are intended to provide information about who the Sphinx is supposed to represent, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Monday. They therefore believe that it could be the Roman Emperor Claudius.
Egypt has presented a large number of archaeological finds in recent years. Just last Thursday, the authorities announced the discovery of a hidden, nine-meter-long corridor in the Cheops pyramid. Critics warn that the finds are more about media attention than sound research.
In fact, Egypt, stuck in an economic crisis, with its archaeological treasures, after years of political instability and the corona pandemic, wants to boost tourism, which is so important for the country. By 2028, the mark of 30 million tourists per year should be reached - before the corona pandemic it was 13 million annually.
