Friday, December 26, 2014

Secrets: The Sphinx of Ancient Egypt


Secrets: The Sphinx
by Travis Simpkins

     Produced for the Smithsonian Channel, Secrets: The Sphinx (2013) provides an intriguing 45-minute look at the primary mysteries surrounding the Ancient Egyptian Sphinx in Giza: When was it created? and whom does the carved face atop the lion's body represent? Because it is carved directly from the bedrock, rather than assembled by blocks, it is difficult for archaeologists to accurately date the Sphinx based on construction. Surrounding structures and geographical features help fill in the gaps and shed some light on the mystery. The first theory presented is controversial, relating to the disproportionate body to head ratio of the Sphinx, and surmises the the carved human head was actually  adapted and re-carved later on from a much older statue representing a lion that predated the Pyramids. Further theories, much more traditional in scope, focus on the positioning of the Sphinx in the foreground of the Pyramids. Cases are made for the Sphinx being created by the "Pyramid Pharaohs"  Khufu, and alternately by his son, Khafre. Zahi Hawass, the famous Egyptologist, provides brief insight. However, the best and most brilliant contributions to the episode are provided by Melinda Hartwig, Associate Professor at Georgia State University. Delightful and photogenic, Dr. Hartwig's eloquent delivery and energy is truly engaging. In the end, the enduring mystery of the Sphinx still remains, but an enjoyable and informative presentation has been made.



The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx

Melinda Hartwig   Photo: S. Smith: Secrets: The Sphinx

The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza partly excavated: Secrets: The Sphinx

Melinda Hartwig with the Great Pyramid and Sphinx: Secrets: The Sphinx

The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx

The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza as a Lion?: Secrets: The Sphinx

The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx

The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx

Zahi Hawass: Secrets: The Sphinx

The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx

Dr. Melinda Hartwig   Photo: M. Knorr: Secrets: The Sphinx

The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx

Melinda Hartwig: Secrets: The Sphinx

The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza partly excavated: Secrets: The Sphinx

Melinda Hartwig in "Secrets: The Sphinx"