Sphinx of Memphis Travel Guide: Top Sights in Egypt, Tours & Travel

⁰

Sphinx of Memphis- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Egypt; 5 Reviews

+2 Photos

Suggested Duration: 1 hours

The Sphinx of Memphis, also known as the Alabaster Sphinx, stands as a striking monument near the ancient capital of Memphis, Egypt. Carved from a single block of translucent alabaster during the 18th Dynasty (1700–1400 BCE), its massive scale—8 meters long and weighing 90 tons—makes it one of the largest alabaster sculptures ever created. Unlike the Great Sphinx of Giza, this sphinx bears no inscriptions, leaving its true dedication a mystery, though its refined facial features suggest links to pharaohs like Hatshepsut or Amenhotep III. Discovered in 1912 by archaeologist Flinders Petrie, the statue was partially buried in the sand before its full excavation. Its soft, sun-hued stone held spiritual significance for ancient Egyptians, believed to harness solar energy. The sphinx's unusual striations along its left side set it apart from other Egyptian monuments, hinting at unique craftsmanship or later weathering. Positioned near a temple dedicated to Ptah, the creator god, it once held a prominent religious role before Memphis' decline. Despite centuries of temple looting, the Sphinx of Memphis remains remarkably intact, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry of the New Kingdom. Its serene presence, rising from the desert, reflects both the grandeur of Memphis and the enduring legacy of Egypt's sculptural traditions. Visitors today can admire its near-complete form, a testament to the skill and reverence of its creators.

Operators offering tours in Egypt

Attractions in Giza

Giza pyramid complex

4.6

Great Sphinx of Giza

Grand Egyptian Museum

4.6

Pyramid of Khafre

Pyramid of Menkaure

Saqqara Necropolis

Pyramid of Djoser

4.8

Bent Pyramid

Reviews of Sphinx of Memphis

Akshata panchal

4
Reviewed: 2024-12-12

Very nice place, please go with a guide who knows the history well. Its a very good experience.
Mohamed Omar

5
Reviewed: 2024-09-19

This is the largest sphinx able to be carried or moved in Egypt. The material is alabaster stone. The majority of historians believe that it represents the queen hatshepsut, the only female ruled Egypt in ancient Egyptian history.
Josue Polanco

5
Reviewed: 2024-03-05

Highly recommend checking out the most articulated and most beautiful detail Sphinx in all of Egypt. It was one of the first capitals of the land. This size colossal
Ross Daniels

5
Reviewed: 2023-12-06

Quite amazing just to sit in front of this Sphinx and think about all the history that is permeated in it and around. The carving is believed to have taken place between 1700 and 1400 BCE, which was during the 18th Dynasty. It is actually strange to think that no one is quite sure as to which pharaoh this was supposed to honour. I bet the pharaoh is a bit annoyed about all this.
S Hetherington

5
Reviewed: 2023-09-05

Visited Mit Rahina on 11 October 2022. Mit Rahina is included with the Cairo Pass. The sphinx of Memphis is the second largest sphinx ever discovered. The largest sphinx is of course the Great Sphinx on the Giza Plateau. First discovered in 1912 it is also known as the Alabaster or Calcite Sphinx. It's approximate weight is ninety tons. It is believed to have been carved sometime during the 18th Dynasty and it is unique in that it has no carvings or inscriptions on it. For this reason scholars are unsure whom this sphinx was constructed by or made in honour of. Some believe it to be Hatshepsut or Amenhotep II or III.