Open index page


Open interactive map of Egypt

CONTENT


INDEX

INTRODUCTION

more on
GIZA


Intro

The Pyramids

Map


Khufu

Solar boat

Queen's pyramids


Khafre


Menkaure


The Sphinx

Sphinx Temple


Mastabas

Tomb of Khentkawes

Modern city

House boats and the Nile

Roberts' Giza

Practicalties

BASICS
Getting there

Visas & passports

Eating & sleeping

Getting around

Climate

Health

Safety

Costs & currencies

Shopping

Don't forget to bring...

Short facts

SEARCH


Case sensitive

GENERAL
Contact us

About LookLex

Join us

Use of photos/ articles/ maps

Privacy
WEB SITES


Encyclopaedia

Learn Arabic


GIZA:
Sphinx Temple

Temple of the Sphinx, Giza, Egypt

The Sphinx Temple is presently closed to the public. The temple you enter on your way to see the Sphinx is the valley temple belonging to the pyramid of Khafre. Its facade was never finished, and what you see now is very crude.
The condition of the temple is not great, but it does have a couple of interesting details. It is unique in having two sanctuaries, on in from the facade (east) and one right in front of the Sphinx' right foot. But apart from this, it is almost a copy of the mortuary temple of Khafre's pyramid.
Almost 1,000 years after being built, an important cult was developed connected to the Sphinx. By this time, the history of the Sphinx and its purpose was even more forgotten than it is now. The Sphinx was considered by princes and pharaohs to be a possessor of royal power, and pharaohs and princes were very much concerned about visiting it and paying their respects.

<< PREVIOUS NEXT >>

© Copyright 1996-2008 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen