The Sphinx Temple sits directly before the monument, built on a terrace associated with the cult related to the Sphinx's symbolism. The temple was likely constructed using core blocks with some granite elements, though specific construction details vary by source. During New Kingdom times, the cult of the Sphinx flourished, and the temple was used for worship before eventual decline. 🏛️
Sphinx Temple architecture: multi-tone blocks with granite casing
EgyptArchitecture
Site mentioned
Key facts
- The Sphinx Temple stands in front of the Sphinx and is associated with a cult related to the structure's symbolism
- The masonry is composed of multi-tone core blocks with granite casing
- This construction equals both the Pyramid Temple and Valley Temple of Khafre, but not Khufu's temple
- The Sphinx Temple was built on a terrace standing 2.5 meters lower than that of the Sphinx
- The Khafre Valley Temple is also built on this same terrace, leveled with the Sphinx Temple
- The two temples have their fronts and backs in close alignment
- The Sphinx Temple area is 45 by 120 meters
- During New Kingdom times, the temple was robbed, abandoned, and filled with debris
Sources
Great Sphinx of Giza - Who Built It, When and Why? | IMDB v2.3imdb2.freeforums.net
This was a solar cult which venerated Horus in his role as a sky god. Amenhotep II (1425-1400 BCE) may have been a patron of this cult. He ...
The Great Sphinx of Giza - Ancient Egypt Onlineancientegyptonline.co.uk
There are some who argue that the Sphinx pre-dates the pyramids and that there was a solar cult acting in the Giza area before Giza became the necropolis of the ...
The Sphinx as a National Park - Ancient Egypt Research Associatesaeraweb.org
The cult of the Sphinx reached its height in New Kingdom Egypt (1550-1070 BC) ... built over the buried Sphinx Temple immediately in front of the Sphinx.
[PDF] Sphinx: History of a Monument - Harvard Universitygizamedia.rc.fas.harvard.edu
When the pagan cults were closed by decree of the emperor Theodo- sius in the fourth century C.E., the site of Giza gradually fell victim to the invading sands.
[PDF] The Great Sphinx at Giza: Date and Function - Harvard Universitygizamedia.rc.fas.harvard.edu
He states that the Sphinx is not a cult object of the temple that lies before its paws; he notes that the Sphinx does not lie on the axis of the temple.
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