A pair of colossal sphinx statues recently unearthed in Egypt features detailed likenesses of the famous pharaoh Amenhotep III alongside evidence of an ancient ritual directed towards the afterlife.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced that an archaeological team from Egypt and Germany, led by Dr. Horig Sorosian, discovered the massive statues submerged in water at the site of the “Million-Year Temple”, an honorific building associated with the Amenhotep III Temple (Luxor, Egypt).
The sphinx statue (left) and another statue of Amenhotep III, which is more intact but may lack the detail of the sphinx – (Photo: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
According to the Daily Mail, the statues measure up to 26 meters in length and bear detailed likenesses of the renowned pharaoh, with virtual restoration promising to yield a perfect portrait.
Amenhotep III reigned in Egypt approximately 3,300 years ago and was the pharaoh who initiated the construction of the “Golden City” Akhetaten, also known as Aten or Amarna.
While Amenhotep III ruled from Thebes, his son Amenhotep IV later moved the capital to the Golden City, a major industrial and commercial center in ancient times. Subsequently, Amenhotep III’s famous grandson, pharaoh Tutankhamun, returned to Thebes during his reign, as noted by National Geographic.
Alongside the sphinx statues, the research team also uncovered three nearly intact statues of goddess Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess who protects the sun god Ra. They also excavated part of a hall that showed signs of having been plundered by ancient tomb robbers. The walls surrounding the hall, adorned with ritual imagery, remain relatively intact.
One of the Sekhmet statues.
The statue is also inscribed with the ancient text “The one loved by Amun-Ra.” Amun is a deity who can appear in various forms and serves as the protector of the city of Thebes.
The pair of colossal sphinxes also signifies the route for the annual Beautiful Valley Festival. During this festival, relatives bring offerings and visit their deceased loved ones. The festival is exclusively held in Thebes, and these sphinx statues are positioned right at the beginning of the procession.
