Why the Sphinx is special
The ancient Sphinx at Giza in Egypt has been called enigmatic because it stares out at us with a mystifying visage. The age and purpose of this sizeable sculpture - a human head on a lion's body - is also a puzzle to archaeologists.

Sphinx's age
Most experts believe the Sphinx was likely created when the nearby Great Pyramids of Egypt were built (roughly 4600 years ago). Some conjecturers avow that the Sphinx was conceived centuries if not millennia before the pyramids by a lost civilization.

Missing nose
Even the Sphinx's missing nose is an issue. It's been popularly written that the nose was blasted off centuries ago by target-practicing soldiers. Leading Egyptologists say there is no sure way to know when and how it happened.

Construction material
The Sphinx was chiseled out of a solid limestone outcropping.

Deterioration
Over thousands of years, the elements badly weathered the Sphinx - and, in at least several instances, wind-blown desert sands buried the Sphinx up to its shoulders. The Sphinx is now suffering from modern problems: water drainage and air pollution. It's been a tough life for the Sphinx, whatever its age.

What leading travel books say about the Sphinx
The Sphinx is one of the undisputed wonders of a civilization renowned for its architectural achievements.
Egypt
Knopf Guides

The enigma of the sands: Who built the Sphinx and why?
Exploring Egypt
Fodor's