The “smiling” Sphinx was discovered in Egypt. The statuette has two noticeable “dimples” on its face. Experts believe it represents the Roman Emperor Claudianus.
The limestone statue was found near the Temple of Hathor – where the famous Dendera Tower was taken, which has been on display since 1922 in the Louvre Museum in Paris. She was buried in a “Byzantine basin inside a two-level tomb,” according to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Next to it was a “Roman stele inscribed in demotic and hieroglyphics”.
Ministry of Antiquities / Handout
Archaeologists will analyze the Great Sphinx and the series, with the aim of discovering the identity of the represented emperor.
In recent months, the Egyptian authorities have announced several important discoveries. Recently, a hidden nine-meter passage was found inside the Great Pyramid of Egypt that could lead to the “royal burial chamber of King Khufu,” where the pharaoh’s treasure is supposed to be. A 4,300-year-old mummy was also found in the Saqqara necropolis.
Ministry of Antiquities / Handout
However, some experts say these ads have political and economic significance. Egypt is currently going through an economic crisis, and since tourism is a major source of income, it wants to increase the number of visitors. The government hopes to reach 30 million tourists annually by 2028.
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