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EGYPT II |
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The Sphinx is also part of the Great Pyramids Complex. Legends and superstitions abound about this relic of antiquity, and the mystery surrounding its long-forgotten purpose is almost as intriguing as the sight of the structure itself, that is, a feline man structure (a definite lion's body) with a woman's head (maybe a god's face wearing the royal headdress of Egypt). |
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Cairo/Egypt - October 2000 |
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What does the Sphinx mean? It is still a question without a convinced answer... Carved almost entirely from one huge piece of limestone leftover from the carving of the stones for Cheops' pyramid (that stands right behind it), the Sphinx is about 50 meters long and 22 meters high. It's biiiiiig!!! According to our guide, the Sphinx was engulfed and hidden by sand for several hundred years and there are lots of theories that try to explain what is the real meaning of it as well as its construction's purpose. However, until now, these questions remain a mystery. |
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As you may notice, the Sphinx does not have a nose! Well, what really happened was... during the period of the Ottoman Empire, the Turks used the Sphinx for target practice (what a ... no words for that), and its nose and beard fell off (they are now in the British Museum, in London). That's why!! |
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Cairo/Egypt - October 2000 |
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Cairo/Egypt - October 2000 |
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go to Egypt III |
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