How the Great Sphinx of Egypt May Have Been Naturally Formed, According to Scientists

For over 4,500 years, the origin of the Great Sphinx of Egypt has mystified experts. While traditional belief held that skilled stone masons hand-carved the iconic statue, a new study from researchers at New York University suggests an entirely different narrative. They propose that nature and erosion played a crucial role in creating the enigmatic monument.
Erosion’s Role in Sphinx Formation
The study conducted by New York University delves into how erosion can shape Sphinx-like formations. They conducted laboratory experiments that revealed fast erosion can lead to structures reminiscent of the Sphinx. This revelation not only challenges the previous belief that the Sphinx was meticulously crafted by human hands but suggests that nature’s role in its formation could have inspired the ancient Egyptians to create the statue.
Lead author Leif Ristroph explained, “Our findings offer a possible ‘origin story’ for how Sphinx-like formations can come about from erosion.” He further emphasized, “Our laboratory experiments showed that surprisingly Sphinx-like shapes can, in fact, come from materials being eroded by fast flows.”
Exploring Nature’s Contribution
The study provides a new perspective on the creation of the Sphinx, implying that nature itself may have formed the basic shape. The researchers suggested that ancient peoples in the Egyptian desert could have encountered naturally occurring formations that inspired their vision of a fantastic creature, the Sphinx.
To validate their theory, the research team studied the formation and movement of yardangs, unusual rock formations found in deserts. They recreated the terrain of northeastern Egypt by using mounds of soft clay with embedded, less erodible material. They simulated wind erosion by washing these formations with a fast-flowing stream of water.
The experiment yielded formations resembling a Sphinx, complete with a lion’s “head,” an undercut “neck,” “paws” extended on the ground, and an arched “back.” Remarkably, they found yardangs in existence today that resemble seated or reclining animals, providing support for their conclusions. This study could also prove useful to geologists as it uncovers factors that influence rock formations, highlighting the role of varying composition in shaping these structures.
Ultimately, the findings suggest that nature might have been a significant contributor to the iconic Sphinx, reimagining its creation and its ancient impact on those who encountered it.
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