--- title: Beard Piece of the Great Sphinx author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5392/beard-piece-of-the-great-sphinx/ format: machine-readable-alternate updated: 1970-01-01 --- # Beard Piece of the Great Sphinx _Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_ ## Image File [![Beard Piece of the Great Sphinx](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5392.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5392.jpg) ## Image Caption The Great [Sphinx](https://www.worldhistory.org/sphinx/) at [Giza](https://www.worldhistory.org/giza/) represents the 4th Dynasty ruler, Khafra, with a body of a lion guarding his [pyramid](https://www.worldhistory.org/pyramid/). A thousand years later, the Sphinx had come to be revered as a [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) called "Horemakhet", which means "[Horus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Horus/) in the horizon". Some pharaohs repaired and renewed already ancient monuments and they duly advertised their sacred work. In the 18th Dynasty, Prince Thutmose fell asleep in the shadow of the Sphinx. It purportedly spoke to him in a dream, promising [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/)'s throne but pleading to be freed of accumulated sands. On taking the throne, Thutmose IV did clear and repair the Sphinx. The plaited beard was likely his work. The new beard had a curvy tip, which identifies the wearer as a god. The original beard from Khafra's time would have been straight- a king's. The adapted beard eventually broke off, but fragments were found between the front paws in the 19th century. Other portions are now in the [Egyptian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Egyptian/) Museum in Cairo. 18th Dynasty, probably reign of Thutmose IV, circa 1400-1390 BCE. From Giza, Egypt. (The British Museum). #### 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 Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world. - [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian) - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Amin, O. S. M. (2016, July 21). Beard Piece of the Great Sphinx. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Beard Piece of the Great Sphinx." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 21, 2016. . ### MLA Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Beard Piece of the Great Sphinx." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Jul 2016, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 21 July 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.