The Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the most iconic and mysterious monuments in the world, has long been believed to date back to around 2500 B.C.E. However, recent studies and controversial theories have emerged that challenge this traditional timeline and propose an earlier date of construction, possibly as far back as 7000 B.C.E.

Could it be that the Sphinx, with its enigmatic smile and imposing presence, is much older than previously thought? One of the key arguments in favor of an earlier date for the Sphinx is the phenomenon of precipitation-induced weathering on the upper areas of the monument.

Water erosion may be a clue to an older date

Some researchers argue that the erosion patterns on the limestone surface of the Sphinx indicate that it was subjected to heavy rainfall, which was last recorded in the region around 9,000 years ago, approximately 7000 B.C.E.

This has led to the theory of an earlier construction date for the Sphinx, suggesting the existence of an unknown advanced civilization in Egypt predating the ancient Egyptians.

The Sphinx water erosion hypothesis is a controversial theory proposed by geologist Robert Schoch that suggests the erosion patterns on the Great Sphinx of Giza indicate that it was subjected to heavy rainfall, and therefore must be much older than previously thought.

The theory challenges the traditional timeline of the Sphinx’s construction, which is estimated to be around 2500 B.C.E., and suggests that it could have been built as far back as 7000 B.C.E. This hypothesis is based on the erosion patterns on the limestone surface of the Sphinx, which Schoch argues could not have been caused by wind and sand abrasion alone, but rather by precipitation-induced weathering.

Supporters of this theory argue that the last time there was sufficient rainfall in the region to cause this type of erosion was around 9,000 years ago, which aligns with an earlier construction date for the Sphinx.

Proponents of the earlier date theory also point to the fact that there is no evidence of an Egyptian civilization dating back to 7000 B.C.E. This hypothesis has been met with skepticism and has been declared a “fringe claim” by many Egyptologists and archaeologists, who question the validity of the erosion patterns as evidence for an earlier construction date.

However, recent archaeological findings have revealed advanced civilizations in other parts of the world during that time, such as the ancient city of Jericho in modern-day Palestine, which was one of the earliest known human settlements and had sophisticated agricultural practices.

This theory challenges the notion that advanced civilizations were not present in the region during that period, and raises the possibility of a similar civilization in Egypt.

Some researchers argue that the rapid weathering of the Sphinx, which makes it appear older than it is, could be due to the effects of subsurface water drainage or Nile flooding, rather than just precipitation-induced weathering. This suggests that other factors, beyond the erosion patterns, should be considered when dating the Sphinx.

A possible replica of a great pharaoh

Another intriguing aspect is the resemblance of the Sphinx to Pharaoh Khafre, who is believed to have built one of the nearby pyramids of Giza. Khafre lived around 2603-2578 B.C.E., which aligns with the traditional dating of the Sphinx.

However, some researchers argue that this resemblance could be coincidental or a result of later modifications, and does not necessarily prove that Khafre was the original builder of the Sphinx.

The question of when the Great Sphinx of Giza was built remains a subject of debate and speculation. While the traditional timeline places its construction around 2500 B.C.E., the theory of an earlier date around 7000 B.C.E. challenges our understanding of ancient civilizations and raises the possibility of an unknown advanced civilization in Egypt.

Further research, analysis, and interdisciplinary investigations are needed to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Sphinx and its true age. Until then, the enigmatic smile of the Sphinx continues to captivate the world and keep us guessing about its true origins.