A sandstone sphinx was discovered by Egyptian archaeologists who have been draining water from a flooded temple in Aswan, Reuters reported Sunday. The sphinx probably dates back to the Ptolemaic era according to Egypt's Antiquities Ministry. The Ptolemaic era lasted from 305 BC to around 30 BC in Egypt, according to Ancient.eu.
The sphinx was discovered in the Kom Obmo temple. Archeologists also uncovered two sandstone reliefs from King Ptolemy V in the temple.
The Kom Ombo temple is considered a double temple. It has twin doors and reflecting hallways that honor two Gods.
A sphinx has the head of a human and the body of a lion according to history.com. It serves as a symbol in Egyptian mythology as well as Greek and Asian mythology. In Egyptian history, it was seen as a spiritual guide and is often found in burial chambers. Most times, the Egyptian sphinx is depicted with the head of a male wearing a pharaoh's headdress, though sometimes female depictions can be found.
The concept of the sphinx originated in Egypt. Asian sphinx depictions often include wings, while the Greek idea sometimes incorporates a serpent's tail.
A relief sculpture is an Egyptian artform including sunken or raised images on the wall of a building. Releifs can be artforms dedicated to a God or King. The Kom Obmo temple features a relief detailing Egyptian medical advancements. In the design, medicine bottles are seen alongside scalpels, speculators and other medical instruments, according to Atlas Obscura.
An unexpected sarcophagus was discovered in Alexandria, Egypt in July, according to Fox News. The structure was 8.7 feet long and 5.4 feet wide. It is assumed to also be from the Ptolemaic era. Mortar found between the lid of and the base of the sarcophagus suggests it had not been opened since it was sealed in BC.
In may, a 2,200-year-old gold coin was discovered in Egypt. A face on the coin depicted King Ptolemy III. It is said to have been made during the rule of King Ptolemy V. The Ptolemy line are ancestors of Cleopatra.
The Antiques Ministry also confirmed finding pottery, terracotta sculptures and a variety of tools early this year.
Egypt hopes the discovery of these artifacts will trigger a wave of tourism and interest after the Egyptian revolution of 2011.
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