Archaeological dig unearths ‘smiling’ Sphinx statue which may represent Claudius

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) has announced that a sphinx statue has been discovered by archaeologists in Egypt near the Hathor Temple, which is renowned for being one of the most well-preserved ancient sites in the country.

According to a statement from MoTA on Monday, a two-level tomb located near the temple in southern Egypt contained a limestone artifact that is thought to be a stylized depiction of an ancient Roman emperor.

What is Hathor Temple?

Located approximately 500km (310 miles) south of Cairo, the Hathor Temple is famous for housing the Dendera Zodiac, a celestial map that has been exhibited at the Louvre in Paris since 1922. The map was removed from the temple over a century ago by Frenchman Sebastien Louis Saulnier. Egypt now desires to reclaim it.

Over the past few months, Egypt has revealed numerous significant archaeological findings, mostly in the Saqqara necropolis situated south of Cairo, but also in Giza, where the sole surviving structure of the seven wonders of the ancient world is located.

Discovery of hidden passage

On Thursday, it was declared by the antiquities ministry that a concealed passage of nine meters was found inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, which according to archaeologist Zahi Hawass might guide to the “actual burial chamber” of pharaoh Khufu, or Cheops.

Meanwhile, in Luxor, authorities disclosed in January that archaeologists had discovered a “complete residential city from the Roman era” that dates back to 1,800 years ago.

Some experts perceive these declarations as holding more political and economic significance than scientific value, as Egypt is relying on tourism to reanimate its crucial tourism sector in the midst of a severe economic crisis.

The government’s objective is to increase the number of tourists to 30 million annually by 2028, which is more than twice the number prior to the pandemic.