The Great Sphinx, a colossus that guards the pyramids at Giza, has enticed scholars, archeologists, conquerors and tourists for thousands of years. But what do we really know about this massive half-man, half-beast icon? Who commissioned it? Whose head rests on the mighty Lion’s body? Ancient Mysteries goes in search of answers as it explores the history of this world wonder. Guardian of the Ages: The Great Sphinx would be useful for classes on Ancient History, World History, archeology, Science and Technology and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• anonymous
• coherency
• colossus
• desolate
• encumbered
• feline
• grandiose
• hieroglyphics
• oracle
• palette
• probability
• sanctuary

1. What are some of the mysteries of the Great Sphinx? Why do many of the questions about this statue remain unanswered?

2. What do archeologists and historians speculate about what the purpose of the sphinx was for Ancient Egyptians?

3. How did the Sphinx get its facial scars?

4. Why do experts believe that the Sphinx was created sometime during the fourth dynasty?

5. How has computer technology helped Egyptologists and archeologists speculate what the Sphinx may have looked like thousands of years ago?

6. What was Egypt’s “golden age?”

7. What was the purpose of the pyramids?

8. How was the Great Sphinx rediscovered during the New Kingdom?

1. Create a sphinx with the head of one of today’s world leaders.

2. Create your own system of hieroglyphics.

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