The Timeline of Sphinx Discoveries: From the First Encounter to Today

Introduction

The Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the most iconic symbols of Ancient Egypt, has fascinated explorers and scholars for thousands of years. In this blog, we will explore the key discoveries and developments—from the earliest documentation of the Sphinx to modern research leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

Discovery Timeline

• 1798

  Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt brings the West face-to-face with the Sphinx. His scientific team documents the statue, noting its eroded condition and general dimensions.

• 1817

  British explorer John Symonds publishes one of the first detailed measurements of the Sphinx and its surroundings, marking a milestone in Western archaeological interest.

• 1925

  Archaeologist Émile Baraize commences systematic excavations around the Sphinx, uncovering parts of its body previously buried under sand for centuries.

• 1936–1937

  Restoration work directed by Émile Baraize removes tons of sand from the Sphinx’s body, revealing more details and leading to the first comprehensive condition survey.

• 1980

  Inscriptions and wall art from the 18th Dynasty are discovered beneath the Sphinx platform, providing new insights into the monument’s cultic significance.

• 2015

  The ScanPyramids project deploys muon detectors around the Great Pyramid of Khufu; while focused on the pyramid itself, the initiative highlights the potential for muon tomography in Giza site research.

• 2022

  Preliminary studies using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) detect anomalies beneath the Sphinx platform—but no definitive evidence of large chambers at depth is reported.

• 2025

  Popular media headlines claim the discovery of two massive rooms 600m and 1,200m below the Sphinx. Scientific committees stress the necessity of ground validation and complementary methods (gravimetry, muon physics) to verify such extraordinary claims.

Conclusion

The history of Sphinx research illustrates how archaeology evolves alongside new technologies, while underscoring the importance of scientific validation and peer review. Despite sensational theories about deep secret chambers, no solid evidence has emerged to date. Research continues, and future discoveries may yet illuminate more of Ancient Egypt’s greatest enigma.