Archaeologists Uncover Two Massive Sphinxes in Ancient Egyptian Capital
Discover the remarkable archaeological discovery of two colossal sphinx statues and well-preserved goddess Sekhmet figures in the ancient city of Thebes, shedding light on Egypt's golden era.
Archaeologists have uncovered three remarkably preserved statues of the powerful goddess Sekhmet, known for her lioness head and female body.
During restoration work at the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III—referred to by the ancient Egyptians as the "Temple of a Million Years"—two colossal limestone statues depicting the pharaoh as a sphinx were discovered.
The discovery was announced by a team of archaeologists from Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities and the German Archaeological Institute.
These statues, measuring up to 8 meters in length, portray Amenhotep III wearing a mongoose-shaped crown, complete with a royal beard and a broad necklace. Restoration efforts also revealed an inscription on the chest of one of the colossal sphinxes that reads: "Beloved of Amun-Ra."
Additionally, archaeologists found three well-preserved statues of the formidable goddess Sekhmet positioned at the facade of an open inner courtyard known as the peristyle.
Fragments of wall reliefs were also uncovered in the peristyle, revealing new scenes from the Heb-Sed festival. This royal celebration began after 30 years of a king's reign and recurred every three years thereafter. It was among the most significant festivals for ancient Egyptians, noted the General Director of Archaeological Research and Scientific Publications in South Sinai.
The "Temple of a Million Years" is an extensive complex comprising temples, statues, walls, and intricate structures dedicated to Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who is sometimes called "Amenhotep the Magnificent."
Amenhotep III’s reign over Egypt in the 14th century BCE is regarded as a "golden age," marked by peaceful prosperity and the country reaching the height of its international influence.
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