Historical accounts describe tunnels beneath Sphinx plateau. Arab author Al-Masani in the British Museum recounted tunnels under the Sphinx in the 800s AD Al-Masudi in the 10th century described a single subterranean chamber under the Sphinx with passages to all three pyramids He wrote that each entrance was guarded by 'mechanical statues of amazing capabilities'

10th century Arab author Al-Masudi described tunnels under the Sphinx. 🏺 A 1945 account tells of King Farouk & an American colonel entering a tunnel & finding a statue with a sword. Ancient sources suggest the plateau hides extensive tunnels.

Key claims worth noting:

- Al-Masudi in the 10th century reportedly wrote about tunnels under the Sphinx with passages extending across the plateau

- He described entrances potentially guarded by elaborate figures

- A Coptic tradition mentions a statue of black stone of a man holding a lance

- Tom Valentine recorded a story of an American army colonel visiting the Sphinx with King Farouk in 1945

Key Facts

  • Arab author Al-Masani in the British Museum recounted tunnels under the Sphinx in the 800s AD
  • Al-Masudi in the 10th century described a single subterranean chamber under the Sphinx with passages to all three pyramids
  • He wrote that each entrance was guarded by 'mechanical statues of amazing capabilities'
  • A Coptic tradition describes a statue of black stone of a man holding a lance
  • Tom Valentine recorded a story of an American army colonel visiting the Sphinx with King Farooq in 1945
  • They allegedly entered a tunnel behind a slab and found a chamber with a statue holding a sword
  • The Inventory Stele shows Khufu's father attempted to dig the Sphinx out and repair it

Related site: Giza Necropolis — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.