A smiling sphinx and ancient temple unearthed in southern Egypt, believed linked to Emperor Claudius
The artifacts were discovered at the Dendera temple, located in the Qena province, approximately 174 miles south of Egypt's capital, Cairo.
10:11 AM EST, January 11, 2024
Archeologists assert that the limestone sphinx, adorned with a smiling face and two dimples, embodies the Roman Emperor Claudius, who extended Rome's domain to North Africa between 41 and 54 AD.
The smaller statue echoes the infamous Sphinx at the pyramid complex in Giza. However, it does not stand 66 feet tall. Further research will be undertaken on the markings present on the stone slab, potentially revealing information about the identity of the smaller statue and its surrounding area.
Discovery of an ancient temple
Archeologists also stumbled upon a tablet hailing from ancient Rome, which carries demotic and hieroglyphic inscriptions.
The authorities in Egypt announced that the limestone temple comprises a two-tier platform and a mud brick basin from the Byzantine era.
Discoveries of this sort are typically promoted by the Egyptian government to lure more tourists.
Additional discoveries
Only a few weeks prior, archeologists announced the discovery of the oldest non-royal mummy ever found in Egypt. The sarcophagus had remained sealed for approximately 4,300 years.
The rectangular limestone sarcophagus, weighing around 50 tons, surfaced during digs in the ancient ruins of Saqqara, located near Cairo, as the excavation team previously informed CBS News.
The mummy was swathed in a golden sheet with the inscription "HqA-Sps" or Hekashepes, etched onto the sarcophagus.
Earlier this year, archeologists uncovered the first burial site in Luxor, dating back to the era of the ancient Egyptian 13th dynasty. A 12-ton sarcophagus was discovered at the site, inscribed with the name of a minister named Ankho.
