Image of the Sphinx before it was completely excavated. Early 19th century.

Here Are 10 Extremely Old Images of the Sphinx You’ve Probably Never Seen

The images posted here were taken prior to most of the restorations of the Sphinx.

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This majestic structure is one of the most mysterious monuments on Earth. It has no inscriptions, and there are said to be tunnels and passages leading below it. The images displayed here were taken before most of the restorations of the Sphinx. The images are extremely rare and old.


Scholars have no idea who erected this majestic monument only adds to the mystery of the Great Sphinx, which has already been the center for countless speculations connecting it to lost civilizations and extraterrestrial beings. This ancient statue is one of the most appreciated monuments, as mysterious as beautiful. Archaeologically speaking, it is one of the most enigmatic monuments ever found since scholars have absolutely no idea who built it and its original purpose.

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At 241 feet long and 66 feet high, the monument is the largest monolith statue on the planet’s surface. The Great Sphinx is believed to have been discovered in AD 1817, when the first modern archaeological dig, led by Giovanni Battista Caviglia, managed to uncover the monument’s chest completely. This marvelous ancient architecture piece remains one of the few ancient pieces of work that nobody bothered to take credit for. Mainstream scholars have been perplexed by its mysterious history for years.

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Astronomically aligned?

Many researchers consider the Sphinx to be an astronomically aligned monument. Geological findings indicate that the Sphinx may have been sculpted sometime before 10,000 BC, which coincides with the Age of Leo, or the Lion, which lasted from 10,970 to 8810 BC. According to Graham Hancock, computer simulations show that in 10,500 BC, the constellation of Leo housed the sun on the spring equinox. I.e., an hour before dawn in that epoch, Leo would have reclined due east along the horizon in the place where the sun would soon rise. With its due-east orientation, this means that the lion-bodied monument would have gazed directly on that morning at the one constellation in the sky that might reasonably be regarded as its own celestial counterpart.

Antique images

Today there are countless images of the Great Sphinx of Giza, and nearly all of them show it as it is today, nearly completely restored to its full glory. However, the most interesting images of the ancient monument are those taken after its discovery. While many people are unaware of this, numerous antique images of the Sphinx show this incredible ancient monument as it looked before its restorations in modern times. The images depict numerous cavities, entrances, and what appear to be tunnels that, according to many, lead below this majestic ancient monument.

10 Rare Images of the Sphinx

This is a rare image of the Sphinx taken from a hot air balloon, in the early 19th century. This is before excavation and restoration.
This is a rare image of the Sphinx taken from a hot air balloon in the early 19th century. This is before excavation and restoration.
The Great Sphinx of Giza before it was entirely excavated.
The Great Sphinx of Giza before it was entirely excavated.
Ancient Code Pyramids and Sphinx Giza Egypt 1860. Image Credit: Photographium Historic Photo Archive
Ancient Code Pyramids and Sphinx Giza Egypt 1860. Image Credit: Photographium Historical Photo Archive
Profile view of Sphinx Giza Egypt 1900-1920. Image Credit: Photographium Historic Photo Archive
Profile view of Sphinx Giza Egypt 1900-1920. Image Credit: Photographium Historical Photo Archive
Sphinx in late 1800s. Image Credit: Photographium Historic Photo Archive
Sphinx in late 1800s. Credit: Photographium Historical Photo Archive

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The Sphinx Giza Egypt circa 1850. Image Credit Unknown
The Sphinx Giza Egypt circa 1850. Image Credit Unknown
One of the oldest photos of the Great Sphinx from 1880. Image Credit Unknown
One of the oldest photos of the Great Sphinx from 1880. Image Credit Unknown
This is a rare image of the Sphinx shows the surface of the head of the Sphinx. The images was taken in 1925. Image Credit Unknown
This is a rare image of the Sphinx shows the surface of the head of the Sphinx. The images was taken in 1925. Image Credit Unknown
The Sphinx prior to being excavated.
The Sphinx before being excavated.

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Written by Ivan Petricevic

I've been writing passionately about ancient civilizations, history, alien life, and various other subjects for more than eight years. You may have seen me appear on Discovery Channel's What On Earth series, History Channel's Ancient Aliens, and Gaia's Ancient Civilizations among others.

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