Egypt archaeology: A Mini “Roman” Sphinx

OAN Geraldyn Berry
UPDATED 9:23 AM PT – Tuesday, March 7, 2023

A suspected “Roman” The remains of a temple and sphinx were discovered in an Egyptian ancient temple.

This discovery took place on the eastern side a two-level tomb located in Qena Province. It is approximately 450km (approximately 282 miles) south from Cairo.

According to some reports, the limestone sphinx had a “smiley face and two dimples” It was located in a basin thought to be constructed during the Byzantine period.  The figure was adorned with a nemes on its head — the striped cloth headdress traditionally worn by pharaohs of ancient Egypt, with a cobra-shaped end or “uraeus.”

The Roman-esque suggests that the figure could be Roman in spite of its geographical location. “demotic and hieroglyphic inscriptions” The stone slab is located next to the Sphinx.

A limestone shrine contains a 2-layer platform and a mudbrick basin, both also from Byzantine times.

The statue measures 20m high (66ft). It is believed to be a representation of Emperor Claudius, who reigned between 41 and 54 A.D.

The markings of the stone slab are being examined by archeologists, who may be able to reveal more about the statue’s identity.