Is the truth about the Great Sphinx different? A new theory surprises
The Great Sphinx, a statue of a mythical creature situated in Giza, Egypt, close to Cairo, may have been shaped in a completely different manner than researchers initially assumed. Experts from New York University, published in "Physical Review Fluids", presented a new theory suggesting it was not built entirely from scratch. Nature might also have played a significant role in the formation of this iconic sculpture.
12:37 PM EST, November 6, 2023
Live Science recently highlighted the research results published in the scientific journal "Physical Review Fluids". Experts from New York University proposed that the Great Sphinx, a statue most likely representing the image of Pharaoh Khafre, an ancient Egyptian ruler, might have evolved from a yardang. A yardang is a desert landform shaped on the Earth's surface, often appearing as a steep rise.
Did Nature Aid the Egyptians?
Scientists believe the natural formation resembled the Sphinx, making the task somewhat easier for the ancient Egyptians. However, they had to carve the unique features of a lion with a human head, which have survived to this day, and this would have required considerable effort. Researchers base this theory on the results of conducted simulations where they used soft clay mounds embedded with harder, less erodible material.
In a special tunnel, they subjected these samples to a high-speed air stream, imitating thousands of years of wind erosion, recreating the conditions that prevailed in Egypt about 4,500 years ago, when the Sphinx was constructed. Experts were then able to observe how wind affected the rock formations that existed at that time.
"Our results provide a straightforward theory of the origin of sphinx-like formations that may have resulted from erosion," Prof. Leif Ristrof, the lead author of the study, explained in a statement. "In fact, there exist yardangs today that resemble sitting or reclining animals, which confirm our conclusions."
Some Researchers Express Skepticism
As Live Science highlights, not everyone is enthusiastic about this theory. As they report: "Egyptologists and other non-involved scientists stated that while the findings are intriguing, this doesn't prove there was actually a natural sphinx-shaped entity in Giza". However, it can't be completely discounted that yardangs that existed in Ancient Egypt may have somewhat facilitated the labors of the ancient builders.
