Why the Bolshoi The Sphinx has no nose: The Great Egyptian Sphinx of Giza, one of the most famous and ancient sculptures in the world, hides many secrets.
This information was reported by T4, URA-Inform reports.
One of the most famous is the absence of a nose, which was long attributed to Napoleon's soldiers. However, modern research suggests another, more likely version of this story.
European travelers of the 18th century left sketches in which the Sphinx is already depicted without a nose, indicating that the nose was lost long before Napoleon's arrival in Egypt. The Egyptian historian al-Maqrizi in the 15th century claimed that the nose was destroyed by the Sufi fanatic Muhammad Sa'im al-Dah in 1382.
The vandalism was likely motivated by the Islamic ban on depicting people and worshiping idols. This version is confirmed by recent research, which has revealed traces of levers at the base of the Sphinx's nose.
According to Arab sources, Muhammad Saime al-Dah was captured by local residents, beaten to death and buried at the paws of the Sphinx, which he damaged. In addition to the nose, the Sphinx also lacks a beard, which is believed to have been added later, during the New Kingdom, and served as a symbol of the power of the pharaohs. The beard fragments are kept in the British Museum and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
The story of the disappearance of the Sphinx's nose clearly demonstrates how myths and legends can distort historical facts. Thanks to new research, we get a more accurate understanding of the past and can debunk established misconceptions.
Recall that it was previously reported that archaeologists have found the site of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ: the building has survived to this day (photo).