Archaeologists discover ancient sphinx in Egypt
Sandstone figurine found in Temple of Kom Ombo during work to protect the site from groundwater; said to date to Ptolemaic times
This undated photo released by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities shows a lion's body and a human head, in the Temple of Kom Ombo in Aswan, Egypt. The Antiquities Ministry said on September 16, 2018 that the sphinx made of sandstone was found in the temple during work to protect the site from groundwater. (Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities via AP)
CAIRO — Egypt said archaeologists have discovered a statue of a lion’s body and a human head in the southern city of Aswan.
The Antiquities Ministry said Sunday the sphinx made of sandstone was found in the Temple of Kom Ombo during work to protect the site from groundwater.
Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the statue probably dates back to Ptolemaic times.
The Ptolemaic Dynasty ruled Egypt for some 300 years — from around 320 BCE to about 30 BCE.
Egypt hopes such discoveries will spur tourism, partially driven by antiquities sightseeing, which was hit hard by political turmoil following the 2011 uprising.
