+2-0106-940-8877 Reservation@TripsinEgypt.com
+2-0106-940-8877 Reservation@TripsinEgypt.com

13Sep
September 13, 2018

The Great Sphinx of Giza

Interesting Facts About the Great Sphinx

The Sphinx is a limestone mythical creature. It has the head of a man, which most Egyptologists believe that it represents king Khafre and the body of a lion.It is located on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, southeast of the pyramids. It is the oldest known monumental sculpture in ancient Egypt. It was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre. It measures 73 meters long and 20 meters high. According to some it took about 3 years to be built by 100 workers. Explore All things need to know about the Great Sphinx below:

Who Built the Sphinx?

Who Built The Sphinx - Trips in Egypt

It was built during the reign of the 4th dynasty pharaoh Khafre. Some suggest that Pharaoh Khufu, Khafre’s father attributed in the construction of the Sphinx. Also Khafre’s half-brother Djedefre has contributed in the construction. The Sphinx was totally covered in vivid paint. The color of red can be seen on its head and hints of blue and yellow remain on its body.

The Construction of the Sphinx

Sphinx Construction - Trips in Egypt

It was carved into the bedrock of the plateau. There is uneven degradation apparent over the body of the Sphinx because of the limestone of the area, which offers differing resistance to erosion. The head of the Sphinx was carved out of a hard layer of stone than the rest of the body.

What Happened to the Sphinx’s Nose?

What Happened to the Sphinx's Nose - Trips in Egypt

There are a lot of legends related to the missing nose of the Sphinx. All of us must have heard of a cannonball fired by Napoleon’s soldiers that hit the nose of the Sphinx and caused it to break off. Al-Maqrizi, the Egyptian Arab historian wrote that the nose of the Sphinx was actually destroyed by a Sufi Muslim, MuhammedSa’im al-Dahr in the 15th century. He was later executed for vandalism.

Astonishing Secrets of the Sphinx

Sphinx Secrets - Trips in Egypt

The origin of the word “Sphinx” is related to the ancient Greek but the Egyptians were the first to imagine such a magnificent creature. The ancient Egyptians had different names to give to the Sphinx. According to Greek Mythology, the Sphinx is a female creature with a head and a breast of a woman, eagle’s wings, a body of a lion, and a serpent’s tail. It was sent by gods to towns of Thebes to plague them as a punishment for those who commit crimes. Sphinxes were very popular in the ancient art and they were also present in the art of the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures from the beginning of the 2nd millennium B.C. the first Sphinxes were used as votive offerings.

The Sphinx Had Many Different Names

Sphinx Names - Trips in Egypt

The ancient Egyptians didn’t identify this amazing sculpture as “The Great Sphinx“. It was referred to as “A Statue of The Very Great Khepri“. It was also known as “Horem-Akhet“, which means “Horus of the Horizon“. Medieval Egyptians gave it names such as“Balhib” and “Bilhaw“.

How the Sphinx Buried in the Sand?

How The Sphinx Buried in The Sand - Trips in Egypt

It was completely buried under the sand of the Egyptian desert until the 14th century. Napoleon isn’t to be blamed for the missing of the Sphinx’s nose. The 18th-century sketches indicate that the nose was missing even before the French emperor was born. The nose was missing from the 15th century by Muhammed Al- Dahr.

Uncover All the Ancient Wonders with “Trips in Egypt”

Experience all the charm and history that Egypt has to offer with the most 5* accommodations, and special services through our Egypt tours. You will get to visit the only remaining wonder of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Giza Pyramids, and also many fascinating monuments in Giza. You will also get the chance to board one of our exceptional luxurious Nile river cruises and go to Luxor and Aswan where you will get to visit many wonders and explore many monuments from tombs to temples. Book now your journey to Egypt from one of our tours below and get to know the true meaning of the word adventure tour with “Trips in Egypt“:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

  • What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?

    You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.

  • What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

    You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

  • Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?

    Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.

  • Why book Trips in Egypt?

    We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.

  • Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

    Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.

  • What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

    They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.

  • What is the Weather is Like?

    The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

  • Should I Give Tips in Egypt?

    It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.

  • What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?

    It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.

  • Can I Enter the Pyramids?

    Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.

  • How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?

    Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.

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