---
title: Lycian Guardian Sphinx
author: Jan van der Crabben
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17739/lycian-guardian-sphinx/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2023-08-16
---

# Lycian Guardian Sphinx

_Authored by [Jan van der Crabben](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jvdc/)_

## Image File

[![Lycian Guardian Sphinx](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/17739.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/17739.jpg)

## Image Caption

Guardian [sphinx](https://www.worldhistory.org/sphinx/) from a gable, from building H in Xanthos, [Lycia](https://www.worldhistory.org/lycia/) (modern-day [Turkey](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/)), c. 460 BCE.

The sphinx, a creature combining elements of a woman, a lion, and a bird, had significant associations with [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) in both [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/) and Lycia, often adorning the monuments constructed for the deceased. Each sphinx was overseen by a protective, crouched lion. The design of the sphinxes on this gable end deviates slightly from the norm. The presence of red pigment can be detected on their feathers.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Jan is the Founder & Chairman of World History Encyclopedia and is the organisation's Director of Design & Technology. He holds an MA War Studies from King's College, and he has worked in the field of history-related digital media since 2006.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/janvdc)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Crabben, J. v. d. (2023, August 16). Lycian Guardian Sphinx. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17739/lycian-guardian-sphinx/>
### Chicago
Crabben, Jan van der. "Lycian Guardian Sphinx." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 16, 2023. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17739/lycian-guardian-sphinx/>.
### MLA
Crabben, Jan van der. "Lycian Guardian Sphinx." *World History Encyclopedia*, 16 Aug 2023, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17739/lycian-guardian-sphinx/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Jan van der Crabben](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jvdc/ "User Page: Jan van der Crabben"), published on 16 August 2023. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.