# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:00,951 00:00:03,127 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
2 00:00:04,538 00:00:08,874 Mastrelli: A lion with the head of a man, Mastrelli: A lion with the head of a man,
3 00:00:08,884 00:00:12,344 Carved from a single piece of rock in the egyptian desert. Carved from a single piece of rock in the egyptian desert.
4 00:00:13,464 00:00:16,724 No monument on earth is more recognizable, No monument on earth is more recognizable,
5 00:00:16,800 00:00:18,642 Or more puzzling. Or more puzzling.
6 00:00:18,719 00:00:23,305 Now investigators will try to put a name to this face, Now investigators will try to put a name to this face,
7 00:00:23,315 00:00:26,817 And provide an answer to the oldest mystery of them all: And provide an answer to the oldest mystery of them all:
8 00:00:27,903 00:00:29,987 The riddle of the sphinx. The riddle of the sphinx.
9 00:00:32,241 00:00:33,240 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
10 00:00:33,317 00:00:35,826 For centuries, the mysteries For centuries, the mysteries
11 00:00:35,903 00:00:40,247 Of the past have kept their secrets. Of the past have kept their secrets.
12 00:00:40,324 00:00:44,168 But there are clues cast in gold, But there are clues cast in gold,
13 00:00:44,244 00:00:48,672 Etched in stone, written in blood. Etched in stone, written in blood.
14 00:00:48,749 00:00:51,917 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
15 00:00:51,927 00:00:54,086 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
16 00:00:54,096 00:00:56,805 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
17 00:01:10,780 00:01:13,113 Without any inscriptions from the time it was built, Without any inscriptions from the time it was built,
18 00:01:13,190 00:01:16,033 The sphinx has puzzled archeologists for centuries. The sphinx has puzzled archeologists for centuries.
19 00:01:16,110 00:01:18,952 But there's one thing we do know: But there's one thing we do know:
20 00:01:19,029 00:01:20,954 There's no truth to the legend that one There's no truth to the legend that one
21 00:01:21,031 00:01:24,458 Of napoleon's cannon balls knocked off the sphinx's nose. Of napoleon's cannon balls knocked off the sphinx's nose.
22 00:01:24,535 00:01:26,627 Danish explorer frederic norden Danish explorer frederic norden
23 00:01:26,703 00:01:30,214 Had reported it missing 60 years earlier. Had reported it missing 60 years earlier.
24 00:01:30,290 00:01:33,133 The culprit is thought to be a devout sufi muslim, The culprit is thought to be a devout sufi muslim,
25 00:01:33,210 00:01:35,385 Who in the 14th century didn't like the idea Who in the 14th century didn't like the idea
26 00:01:35,462 00:01:38,639 That peasants were still making offerings to the statue. That peasants were still making offerings to the statue.
27 00:01:38,715 00:01:41,299 Almost 2,000 years after the last pharaoh, Almost 2,000 years after the last pharaoh,
28 00:01:41,310 00:01:44,302 The sphinx was still being revered. The sphinx was still being revered.
29 00:01:44,313 00:01:45,646 It's a testament to one It's a testament to one
30 00:01:45,722 00:01:48,890 Of the most enigmatic statues ever created. Of the most enigmatic statues ever created.
31 00:01:48,901 00:01:51,819 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
32 00:01:52,905 00:01:57,366 The sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion The sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion
33 00:01:58,661 00:02:00,244 And the head of a man. And the head of a man.
34 00:02:02,164 00:02:06,658 At nearly 60 feet high and 240 feet long, At nearly 60 feet high and 240 feet long,
35 00:02:06,669 00:02:11,004 The sphinx is the biggest single stone statue in existence, The sphinx is the biggest single stone statue in existence,
36 00:02:11,081 00:02:15,801 As tall as a six-story building, as long as a 747 jet. As tall as a six-story building, as long as a 747 jet.
37 00:02:16,595 00:02:19,429 It has watched over the world for millennia, It has watched over the world for millennia,
38 00:02:19,506 00:02:22,599 And stands guard over the great pyramid And stands guard over the great pyramid
39 00:02:22,676 00:02:27,104 Last survivor of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Last survivor of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
40 00:02:27,181 00:02:30,440 The sphinx has drawn explorers for centuries, The sphinx has drawn explorers for centuries,
41 00:02:30,517 00:02:34,528 And is one of the most studied treasures of all antiquity, And is one of the most studied treasures of all antiquity,
42 00:02:34,605 00:02:37,698 But it remains a frustrating puzzle. But it remains a frustrating puzzle.
43 00:02:37,774 00:02:39,533 Hartwig: We really don't know much about it. Hartwig: We really don't know much about it.
44 00:02:39,610 00:02:41,610 There are no texts that date from the time There are no texts that date from the time
45 00:02:41,620 00:02:42,786 That it was built. That it was built.
46 00:02:42,863 00:02:44,196 You would have expected the egyptians You would have expected the egyptians
47 00:02:44,206 00:02:46,123 To say something about it. To say something about it.
48 00:02:46,200 00:02:48,041 We look at the sphinx and, what is it? We look at the sphinx and, what is it?
49 00:02:48,118 00:02:49,117 What is it for? What is it for?
50 00:02:49,128 00:02:50,702 Who did it? Who did it?
51 00:02:50,713 00:02:52,204 These are sort of the enduring questions These are sort of the enduring questions
52 00:02:52,214 00:02:55,207 That we continue to ask as archeologists. That we continue to ask as archeologists.
53 00:02:55,217 00:02:56,791 Mastrelli: One text dating Mastrelli: One text dating
54 00:02:56,802 00:02:58,886 From after the sphinx's construction, From after the sphinx's construction,
55 00:02:58,962 00:03:01,463 During the reign of thutmose iv, During the reign of thutmose iv,
56 00:03:01,473 00:03:05,383 Does give us an indication why the statue was revered Does give us an indication why the statue was revered
57 00:03:05,394 00:03:06,351 In ancient egypt. In ancient egypt.
58 00:03:08,889 00:03:11,899 Hartwig: This is an amazing stela, that is the first mention Hartwig: This is an amazing stela, that is the first mention
59 00:03:11,975 00:03:12,983 Of the sphinx. Of the sphinx.
60 00:03:14,144 00:03:18,563 At the top of the stela we have two images of thutmose iv, At the top of the stela we have two images of thutmose iv,
61 00:03:18,574 00:03:21,742 And in one side he's actually incensing the sphinx And in one side he's actually incensing the sphinx
62 00:03:21,818 00:03:24,828 And the other one he's giving water offerings. And the other one he's giving water offerings.
63 00:03:24,905 00:03:27,539 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
64 00:03:28,667 00:03:31,251 Mastrelli: Carved on the tablet is a legend recorded Mastrelli: Carved on the tablet is a legend recorded
65 00:03:31,328 00:03:35,330 By thutmose recounting an incident from his youth, By thutmose recounting an incident from his youth,
66 00:03:35,341 00:03:36,924 When he was a young prince. When he was a young prince.
67 00:03:41,255 00:03:44,256 On a hunting expedition, the young thutmose came On a hunting expedition, the young thutmose came
68 00:03:44,266 00:03:47,851 Across the sphinx, buried up to its neck in desert sand. Across the sphinx, buried up to its neck in desert sand.
69 00:03:49,179 00:03:52,356 Exhausted by the midday sun, thutmose lay down Exhausted by the midday sun, thutmose lay down
70 00:03:52,432 00:03:54,107 In the shade of the giant statue. In the shade of the giant statue.
71 00:03:55,778 00:03:59,529 According to the story carved into the tablet, as he slept, According to the story carved into the tablet, as he slept,
72 00:03:59,606 00:04:03,283 The sphinx spoke to the young prince in a dream. The sphinx spoke to the young prince in a dream.
73 00:04:03,360 00:04:04,442 Hartwig: So we know at this point now Hartwig: So we know at this point now
74 00:04:04,453 00:04:06,703 That the sand was covering the sphinx That the sand was covering the sphinx
75 00:04:06,780 00:04:09,790 And in this dream the sphinx came to him and he said, And in this dream the sphinx came to him and he said,
76 00:04:09,866 00:04:12,042 "if you would clear away the sands from my body, "if you would clear away the sands from my body,
77 00:04:12,119 00:04:13,794 "I will make you king." "I will make you king."
78 00:04:13,870 00:04:16,871 And that's exactly what he did, and thutmose iv became king, And that's exactly what he did, and thutmose iv became king,
79 00:04:16,882 00:04:18,873 And he commemorated that very event And he commemorated that very event
80 00:04:18,884 00:04:21,051 In the stela that we call the dream stela. In the stela that we call the dream stela.
81 00:04:23,639 00:04:26,306 Mastrelli: So thutmose didn't build the sphinx. Mastrelli: So thutmose didn't build the sphinx.
82 00:04:26,383 00:04:29,268 By the time he came to power it was already a ruin. By the time he came to power it was already a ruin.
83 00:04:30,646 00:04:33,730 He dug it from the sand and it's possible He dug it from the sand and it's possible
84 00:04:33,807 00:04:37,559 That without thutmose the sphinx might have been forgotten. That without thutmose the sphinx might have been forgotten.
85 00:04:37,569 00:04:41,321 But generations that came after followed his lead, But generations that came after followed his lead,
86 00:04:41,398 00:04:43,657 Seeking the sphinx's blessing. Seeking the sphinx's blessing.
87 00:04:43,734 00:04:44,992 Hartwig: With thutmose iv Hartwig: With thutmose iv
88 00:04:45,068 00:04:48,161 The cult of the sphinx just explodes. The cult of the sphinx just explodes.
89 00:04:48,238 00:04:50,655 Mastrelli: From the time of thutmose onwards, Mastrelli: From the time of thutmose onwards,
90 00:04:50,666 00:04:53,583 The sphinx became a place of pilgrimage. The sphinx became a place of pilgrimage.
91 00:04:53,660 00:04:57,170 The egyptians believed that worshiping the mighty statue The egyptians believed that worshiping the mighty statue
92 00:04:57,247 00:04:59,581 Could bring health and good fortune. Could bring health and good fortune.
93 00:04:59,591 00:05:02,676 Hartwig: People would come from memphis, the capital city, Hartwig: People would come from memphis, the capital city,
94 00:05:02,753 00:05:04,761 They would come from all over egypt They would come from all over egypt
95 00:05:04,838 00:05:08,173 And they would come to the sphinx and leave gifts. And they would come to the sphinx and leave gifts.
96 00:05:08,183 00:05:10,175 Mastrelli: The egyptians of thutmose's day Mastrelli: The egyptians of thutmose's day
97 00:05:10,185 00:05:13,478 Called the sphinx hor-em-akhet, god of the sky. Called the sphinx hor-em-akhet, god of the sky.
98 00:05:15,515 00:05:17,107 Three and a half thousand years ago Three and a half thousand years ago
99 00:05:17,184 00:05:20,110 The sphinx played a huge role in the egyptian world. The sphinx played a huge role in the egyptian world.
100 00:05:21,855 00:05:25,866 But the question remains: Who built it in the first place? But the question remains: Who built it in the first place?
101 00:05:25,942 00:05:26,950 And why? And why?
102 00:05:28,028 00:05:31,621 At first glance, it seems obvious to link the sphinx At first glance, it seems obvious to link the sphinx
103 00:05:31,698 00:05:36,001 To the man-made mountains that tower over it: The pyramids. To the man-made mountains that tower over it: The pyramids.
104 00:05:38,047 00:05:40,955 The pyramid directly behind the sphinx was built The pyramid directly behind the sphinx was built
105 00:05:40,966 00:05:41,840 By the pharaoh khafre. By the pharaoh khafre.
106 00:05:45,471 00:05:47,637 He also built the two temples nearby. He also built the two temples nearby.
107 00:05:50,133 00:05:53,977 So experts think that khafre is the most likely candidate. So experts think that khafre is the most likely candidate.
108 00:05:56,065 00:05:58,648 Lacovara: So the sphinx links up to all of these monuments Lacovara: So the sphinx links up to all of these monuments
109 00:05:58,725 00:06:02,310 Of khafre: The temple, the pyramid. Of khafre: The temple, the pyramid.
110 00:06:02,321 00:06:04,738 So the sphinx sort of stands here as a guardian So the sphinx sort of stands here as a guardian
111 00:06:04,815 00:06:07,866 To all these monuments of khafre. To all these monuments of khafre.
112 00:06:09,411 00:06:12,079 Mastrelli: But that alone isn't proof. Mastrelli: But that alone isn't proof.
113 00:06:12,155 00:06:15,740 Some experts point the finger in another direction: Some experts point the finger in another direction:
114 00:06:15,751 00:06:18,001 To the builder of another great pyramid To the builder of another great pyramid
115 00:06:18,078 00:06:20,745 Which lies close to the sphinx. Which lies close to the sphinx.
116 00:06:20,756 00:06:22,923 It was built by the father of khafre. It was built by the father of khafre.
117 00:06:24,343 00:06:26,301 His name was khufu. His name was khufu.
118 00:06:28,180 00:06:32,099 Khufu was the first pharaoh to build a pyramid at giza. Khufu was the first pharaoh to build a pyramid at giza.
119 00:06:32,175 00:06:36,436 And if any man was capable of thinking big, it was this guy. And if any man was capable of thinking big, it was this guy.
120 00:06:36,513 00:06:38,855 Hartwig: Khufu was an amazing innovator. Hartwig: Khufu was an amazing innovator.
121 00:06:38,932 00:06:41,182 You can't underestimate what he did, You can't underestimate what he did,
122 00:06:41,193 00:06:44,111 Because essentially he comes to a vast desolate place Because essentially he comes to a vast desolate place
123 00:06:44,187 00:06:46,196 Which is the giza plateau Which is the giza plateau
124 00:06:46,273 00:06:48,698 And he builds egypt's largest pyramid. And he builds egypt's largest pyramid.
125 00:06:50,193 00:06:53,578 Mastrelli: Khufu's man-made mountain took 30 years to build Mastrelli: Khufu's man-made mountain took 30 years to build
126 00:06:54,948 00:06:57,207 And was the tallest structure in the world. And was the tallest structure in the world.
127 00:06:59,545 00:07:01,294 Hartwig: Nothing like this had ever appeared Hartwig: Nothing like this had ever appeared
128 00:07:01,371 00:07:03,380 On the landscape before. On the landscape before.
129 00:07:03,457 00:07:05,799 This pyramid was built as a type This pyramid was built as a type
130 00:07:05,876 00:07:07,801 Of propagandistic statement, you know, Of propagandistic statement, you know,
131 00:07:07,878 00:07:09,428 This is the power of the pharaoh. This is the power of the pharaoh.
132 00:07:11,056 00:07:13,473 Mastrelli: So maybe khufu could have built the sphinx. Mastrelli: So maybe khufu could have built the sphinx.
133 00:07:14,968 00:07:18,645 Having changed the face of egypt, why not go for broke. Having changed the face of egypt, why not go for broke.
134 00:07:18,722 00:07:22,399 His face, there for all to see, for all time. His face, there for all to see, for all time.
135 00:07:23,894 00:07:25,819 This way, the theory goes, This way, the theory goes,
136 00:07:25,896 00:07:27,863 He would always be watching over them. He would always be watching over them.
137 00:07:30,233 00:07:32,993 Hartwig: This is the type of pharaoh that would have wanted Hartwig: This is the type of pharaoh that would have wanted
138 00:07:33,069 00:07:36,154 To put his mark on the landscape not only in terms To put his mark on the landscape not only in terms
139 00:07:36,165 00:07:38,999 Of this pyramid but also in terms of the sphinx. Of this pyramid but also in terms of the sphinx.
140 00:07:42,162 00:07:45,580 Mastrelli: Dr. Melinda hartwig is in the khufu camp of belief: Mastrelli: Dr. Melinda hartwig is in the khufu camp of belief:
141 00:07:45,591 00:07:48,592 That it was he who built the sphinx and not his son khafre. That it was he who built the sphinx and not his son khafre.
142 00:07:49,920 00:07:51,419 And she is searching for evidence And she is searching for evidence
143 00:07:51,430 00:07:53,513 In the layout of the site In the layout of the site
144 00:07:53,590 00:07:55,515 To support her theory. To support her theory.
145 00:07:55,592 00:07:56,674 Hartwig: Today this is the approach Hartwig: Today this is the approach
146 00:07:56,685 00:07:58,435 That most tourists would take. That most tourists would take.
147 00:07:58,512 00:08:01,095 Here's the sphinx in front of us with the pyramid Here's the sphinx in front of us with the pyramid
148 00:08:01,106 00:08:02,847 Of khafre behind. Of khafre behind.
149 00:08:02,858 00:08:06,100 However, this wasn't how people saw it in the ancient world. However, this wasn't how people saw it in the ancient world.
150 00:08:06,111 00:08:07,602 They would have seen it slightly differently They would have seen it slightly differently
151 00:08:07,613 00:08:09,696 Because they would have been coming from the south. Because they would have been coming from the south.
152 00:08:11,107 00:08:13,858 And so this would have been the first thing they saw: And so this would have been the first thing they saw:
153 00:08:13,869 00:08:15,610 They would see the sphinx in profile They would see the sphinx in profile
154 00:08:15,621 00:08:17,871 And they would see the pyramid of khufu, not khafre. And they would see the pyramid of khufu, not khafre.
155 00:08:18,957 00:08:21,541 By seeing the sphinx in profile By seeing the sphinx in profile
156 00:08:21,618 00:08:25,703 And the pyramid of khufu behind, you have a sense And the pyramid of khufu behind, you have a sense
157 00:08:25,714 00:08:28,790 Of a two-dimensional rendering which was very important Of a two-dimensional rendering which was very important
158 00:08:28,800 00:08:30,884 To the ancient egyptians. To the ancient egyptians.
159 00:08:30,961 00:08:33,294 Mastrelli: In their carvings and paintings Mastrelli: In their carvings and paintings
160 00:08:33,305 00:08:34,971 Egyptians loved a profile. Egyptians loved a profile.
161 00:08:37,809 00:08:40,477 Even some of their sculptures were designed Even some of their sculptures were designed
162 00:08:40,554 00:08:42,187 To be viewed from sideways on. To be viewed from sideways on.
163 00:08:43,732 00:08:46,399 And when you look at this as an ancient egyptian, And when you look at this as an ancient egyptian,
164 00:08:46,476 00:08:49,528 It appears as if the sphinx is guarding khufu's tomb. It appears as if the sphinx is guarding khufu's tomb.
165 00:08:51,398 00:08:52,239 And that's not all. And that's not all.
166 00:08:53,325 00:08:57,244 Dr. Hartwig turns her attention to the monuments of khafre, Dr. Hartwig turns her attention to the monuments of khafre,
167 00:08:57,320 00:09:00,622 Khufu's son, the man assumed to have built the sphinx. Khufu's son, the man assumed to have built the sphinx.
168 00:09:03,660 00:09:06,294 Khafre's pyramid lies directly behind the sphinx. Khafre's pyramid lies directly behind the sphinx.
169 00:09:08,340 00:09:11,758 But hartwig finds a clue in the layout of the causeway But hartwig finds a clue in the layout of the causeway
170 00:09:11,835 00:09:14,636 That leads from khafre's pyramid down to his temple. That leads from khafre's pyramid down to his temple.
171 00:09:16,840 00:09:17,922 Hartwig: So here is khafre's causeway. Hartwig: So here is khafre's causeway.
172 00:09:17,933 00:09:19,924 Now, this is where the body of the king Now, this is where the body of the king
173 00:09:19,935 00:09:24,020 Would have been brought up and then buried inside a pyramid. Would have been brought up and then buried inside a pyramid.
174 00:09:24,097 00:09:26,106 But when you analyze the position, there's something But when you analyze the position, there's something
175 00:09:26,182 00:09:28,608 That just not quite right. That just not quite right.
176 00:09:28,685 00:09:31,194 You would expect the causeway to come right down here, You would expect the causeway to come right down here,
177 00:09:31,271 00:09:34,439 Like right in front of me, and then head due east, Like right in front of me, and then head due east,
178 00:09:34,449 00:09:37,284 But instead it swerves. But instead it swerves.
179 00:09:37,360 00:09:40,111 Mastrelli: Traditionally, the ceremonial path leading Mastrelli: Traditionally, the ceremonial path leading
180 00:09:40,122 00:09:43,748 To a pharaoh's pyramid runs due east, in a straight line. To a pharaoh's pyramid runs due east, in a straight line.
181 00:09:45,035 00:09:46,534 Not this one. Not this one.
182 00:09:46,545 00:09:49,120 Khafre's causeway is set at an angle Khafre's causeway is set at an angle
183 00:09:49,131 00:09:51,548 And it appears to go around the sphinx. And it appears to go around the sphinx.
184 00:09:52,792 00:09:56,052 Hartwig: It swerves, it's over here, and it swerves Hartwig: It swerves, it's over here, and it swerves
185 00:09:56,129 00:09:58,972 To avoid something, and that thing is the sphinx, To avoid something, and that thing is the sphinx,
186 00:09:59,049 00:10:01,891 Which means that the sphinx existed there Which means that the sphinx existed there
187 00:10:01,968 00:10:02,976 Already before khafre. Already before khafre.
188 00:10:04,646 00:10:06,187 Mastrelli: If the sphinx was already here, Mastrelli: If the sphinx was already here,
189 00:10:07,733 00:10:11,067 Then that points to it being khufu's creation. Then that points to it being khufu's creation.
190 00:10:11,144 00:10:14,062 But the final piece of evidence in melinda's theory But the final piece of evidence in melinda's theory
191 00:10:14,072 00:10:16,230 May be the most compelling. May be the most compelling.
192 00:10:16,241 00:10:18,900 Can we match the face on the sphinx Can we match the face on the sphinx
193 00:10:18,910 00:10:21,411 With a known representation of khufu? With a known representation of khufu?
194 00:10:22,998 00:10:24,164 Dr. Melinda hartwig Dr. Melinda hartwig
195 00:10:24,240 00:10:26,249 Has identified some compelling reasons Has identified some compelling reasons
196 00:10:26,326 00:10:29,410 Why khufu may be the pharaoh who built the sphinx. Why khufu may be the pharaoh who built the sphinx.
197 00:10:29,421 00:10:31,829 It's a project that requires a massive ego, It's a project that requires a massive ego,
198 00:10:31,840 00:10:34,841 And his pyramid is the largest on the giza plateau. And his pyramid is the largest on the giza plateau.
199 00:10:34,918 00:10:36,843 But does khufu bear any resemblance But does khufu bear any resemblance
200 00:10:36,920 00:10:38,094 With the face of the sphinx? With the face of the sphinx?
201 00:10:39,756 00:10:43,350 To explore the question, melinda has come to the only place To explore the question, melinda has come to the only place
202 00:10:43,426 00:10:46,844 In the world where there's a confirmed likeness of khufu: In the world where there's a confirmed likeness of khufu:
203 00:10:46,855 00:10:49,105 The egyptian museum in cairo. The egyptian museum in cairo.
204 00:10:50,517 00:10:53,768 What happens when we compare that image What happens when we compare that image
205 00:10:53,779 00:10:55,528 To the face of the sphinx? To the face of the sphinx?
206 00:10:56,856 00:10:58,856 Hartwig: When we look at the face of khufu Hartwig: When we look at the face of khufu
207 00:10:58,867 00:11:00,784 He has very broad planes He has very broad planes
208 00:11:00,860 00:11:04,204 To his face, his ears are pushed forward, To his face, his ears are pushed forward,
209 00:11:04,280 00:11:05,947 He has deep set eyes. He has deep set eyes.
210 00:11:05,957 00:11:08,958 These are the same features that we see on the sphinx, These are the same features that we see on the sphinx,
211 00:11:09,035 00:11:12,087 So it makes perfect sense that the sphinx is khufu. So it makes perfect sense that the sphinx is khufu.
212 00:11:13,548 00:11:16,716 Mastrelli: There seems to be a resemblance between the two. Mastrelli: There seems to be a resemblance between the two.
213 00:11:16,793 00:11:18,635 And there's another clue here: And there's another clue here:
214 00:11:18,712 00:11:21,379 In every known statue of khafre, In every known statue of khafre,
215 00:11:21,390 00:11:23,765 He's shown wearing a ceremonial beard. He's shown wearing a ceremonial beard.
216 00:11:24,976 00:11:26,768 But the sphinx doesn't have a beard, But the sphinx doesn't have a beard,
217 00:11:27,896 00:11:30,397 And neither does this statue of khufu. And neither does this statue of khufu.
218 00:11:31,983 00:11:35,727 There's only one problem: This statue is less There's only one problem: This statue is less
219 00:11:35,737 00:11:36,945 Than four inches tall. Than four inches tall.
220 00:11:40,066 00:11:41,983 Hartwig: In getting a positive id, Hartwig: In getting a positive id,
221 00:11:41,993 00:11:45,820 Of course you need more than just this small little statue. Of course you need more than just this small little statue.
222 00:11:45,831 00:11:48,248 It's such a tiny thing to compare against something It's such a tiny thing to compare against something
223 00:11:48,324 00:11:50,417 As massive as the sphinx. As massive as the sphinx.
224 00:11:50,493 00:11:52,744 In the end there is so little evidence In the end there is so little evidence
225 00:11:52,754 00:11:54,337 That we can be absolutely sure That we can be absolutely sure
226 00:11:54,414 00:11:56,414 Of whose face is on the sphinx. Of whose face is on the sphinx.
227 00:11:56,425 00:12:00,251 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
228 00:12:00,262 00:12:02,595 Mastrelli: It seems likely the sphinx was built Mastrelli: It seems likely the sphinx was built
229 00:12:02,672 00:12:06,182 By one of the pharaohs that built these pyramids. By one of the pharaohs that built these pyramids.
230 00:12:06,259 00:12:09,185 Khufu is a very convincing candidate, Khufu is a very convincing candidate,
231 00:12:09,262 00:12:12,856 But his son khafre is perhaps an even stronger choice, But his son khafre is perhaps an even stronger choice,
232 00:12:12,932 00:12:16,317 As his pyramid lies directly behind the sphinx. As his pyramid lies directly behind the sphinx.
233 00:12:17,529 00:12:22,190 Dr. Peter lacovara has decided to explore khafre's causeway. Dr. Peter lacovara has decided to explore khafre's causeway.
234 00:12:22,200 00:12:25,368 It's a raised path that still exists today, It's a raised path that still exists today,
235 00:12:26,788 00:12:29,205 Passing right beside the sphinx enclosure Passing right beside the sphinx enclosure
236 00:12:29,282 00:12:31,583 And running uphill to khafre's pyramid. And running uphill to khafre's pyramid.
237 00:12:32,702 00:12:35,119 Lacovara: We're looking up at the causeway that runs Lacovara: We're looking up at the causeway that runs
238 00:12:35,130 00:12:37,881 From the pyramid all the way down to the temple. From the pyramid all the way down to the temple.
239 00:12:39,551 00:12:41,968 Mastrelli: At the corner of the sphinx enclosure, Mastrelli: At the corner of the sphinx enclosure,
240 00:12:42,045 00:12:44,045 Lacovara has found an important piece Lacovara has found an important piece
241 00:12:44,055 00:12:46,639 Of evidence left behind by khafre's builders. Of evidence left behind by khafre's builders.
242 00:12:47,801 00:12:48,725 Lacovara: What's really interesting Lacovara: What's really interesting
243 00:12:48,802 00:12:50,134 Is you can see up here Is you can see up here
244 00:12:50,145 00:12:52,637 In the corner there's a cut that's been filled in In the corner there's a cut that's been filled in
245 00:12:52,647 00:12:56,641 By modern blocks, and we think there was a drainage ditch By modern blocks, and we think there was a drainage ditch
246 00:12:56,651 00:13:00,061 That siphoned water off from the causeway down That siphoned water off from the causeway down
247 00:13:00,071 00:13:03,481 Into this big depression where the quarry was Into this big depression where the quarry was
248 00:13:03,492 00:13:06,201 And would have flooded this area when it did rain. And would have flooded this area when it did rain.
249 00:13:08,330 00:13:11,155 Mastrelli: The purpose of khafre's drainage channel was Mastrelli: The purpose of khafre's drainage channel was
250 00:13:11,166 00:13:12,916 To prevent his causeway from flooding To prevent his causeway from flooding
251 00:13:14,252 00:13:16,828 By draining off rainwater into the area By draining off rainwater into the area
252 00:13:16,838 00:13:18,379 Where the sphinx sits today. Where the sphinx sits today.
253 00:13:20,258 00:13:23,000 Lacovara believes this is evidence Lacovara believes this is evidence
254 00:13:23,011 00:13:24,969 The sphinx didn't exist before khafre. The sphinx didn't exist before khafre.
255 00:13:27,173 00:13:28,673 Lacovara: Clearly it doesn't make sense Lacovara: Clearly it doesn't make sense
256 00:13:28,683 00:13:30,266 That if this had already existed, That if this had already existed,
257 00:13:30,343 00:13:33,010 If the sphinx had been built, say, by khufu, If the sphinx had been built, say, by khufu,
258 00:13:33,021 00:13:35,513 They wouldn't be flooding this area with water. They wouldn't be flooding this area with water.
259 00:13:35,524 00:13:37,765 There would be no reason to be pouring water There would be no reason to be pouring water
260 00:13:37,776 00:13:39,692 In to this great monument. In to this great monument.
261 00:13:40,946 00:13:42,862 So it seems clear that that is evidence So it seems clear that that is evidence
262 00:13:42,939 00:13:47,075 That this sphinx was made by khafre and late in his reign. That this sphinx was made by khafre and late in his reign.
263 00:13:48,370 00:13:51,454 Mastrelli: If lacovara is right, then when khafre came Mastrelli: If lacovara is right, then when khafre came
264 00:13:51,531 00:13:55,533 To the throne this area was nothing more than a pit used To the throne this area was nothing more than a pit used
265 00:13:55,544 00:13:58,211 For collecting excess rainwater, For collecting excess rainwater,
266 00:13:58,288 00:14:01,589 The sphinx hadn't yet been carved from the stone. The sphinx hadn't yet been carved from the stone.
267 00:14:03,218 00:14:06,219 Unlike the pyramids, the sphinx wasn't built out Unlike the pyramids, the sphinx wasn't built out
268 00:14:06,296 00:14:09,380 Of blocks hauled to the location. Of blocks hauled to the location.
269 00:14:09,391 00:14:12,684 It was carved right out of the bedrock in a single piece. It was carved right out of the bedrock in a single piece.
270 00:14:14,220 00:14:16,980 So whoever it was that built the sphinx, So whoever it was that built the sphinx,
271 00:14:17,056 00:14:19,732 Started by removing thousands of tons of rock Started by removing thousands of tons of rock
272 00:14:19,809 00:14:24,529 From the desert floor, in the form of huge multi-ton blocks. From the desert floor, in the form of huge multi-ton blocks.
273 00:14:26,324 00:14:29,400 The lump of rock left behind was then carved The lump of rock left behind was then carved
274 00:14:29,411 00:14:31,244 Into the shape of the sphinx. Into the shape of the sphinx.
275 00:14:32,831 00:14:36,165 And the composition of the rock offers an interesting trail And the composition of the rock offers an interesting trail
276 00:14:36,242 00:14:40,420 Of clues as to who may have built the statue. Of clues as to who may have built the statue.
277 00:14:40,496 00:14:43,247 Lacovara: If you look, the limestone is layered Lacovara: If you look, the limestone is layered
278 00:14:43,258 00:14:44,832 Like a layer cake, Like a layer cake,
279 00:14:44,843 00:14:47,594 And some layers were softer than others depending And some layers were softer than others depending
280 00:14:47,670 00:14:50,671 On what was in them, and so they've eroded more On what was in them, and so they've eroded more
281 00:14:50,682 00:14:52,348 Than the layers above and below them. Than the layers above and below them.
282 00:14:54,510 00:14:56,853 Mastrelli: Lacovara has identified a tell-tale pattern Mastrelli: Lacovara has identified a tell-tale pattern
283 00:14:56,930 00:14:57,937 In the limestone. In the limestone.
284 00:14:59,524 00:15:02,442 Some layers are harder and more durable than others. Some layers are harder and more durable than others.
285 00:15:03,778 00:15:06,946 And that leaves a unique pattern of weathering running And that leaves a unique pattern of weathering running
286 00:15:07,023 00:15:09,032 Through the rock of the sphinx today. Through the rock of the sphinx today.
287 00:15:11,036 00:15:14,028 Lacovara has also identified this same pattern Lacovara has also identified this same pattern
288 00:15:14,039 00:15:18,199 In the temple built by khafre in front of the sphinx. In the temple built by khafre in front of the sphinx.
289 00:15:18,209 00:15:22,203 He sees exactly the same sequence of soft and hard rock. He sees exactly the same sequence of soft and hard rock.
290 00:15:22,213 00:15:24,464 The grooves in the walls of the temple The grooves in the walls of the temple
291 00:15:24,540 00:15:27,800 And the grooves on the sphinx match. And the grooves on the sphinx match.
292 00:15:27,877 00:15:30,211 Lacovara: It's incredible, you can see here Lacovara: It's incredible, you can see here
293 00:15:30,221 00:15:33,130 Where we have this differential pattern of wear. Where we have this differential pattern of wear.
294 00:15:33,141 00:15:36,300 Here's this soft layer here that runs across this block Here's this soft layer here that runs across this block
295 00:15:36,311 00:15:38,144 And the neighboring block. And the neighboring block.
296 00:15:38,221 00:15:39,971 They're all sort of like fingerprints, They're all sort of like fingerprints,
297 00:15:39,981 00:15:42,723 They all tell us exactly where they came from, They all tell us exactly where they came from,
298 00:15:42,734 00:15:45,902 And so we can match them all up with the rock And so we can match them all up with the rock
299 00:15:45,979 00:15:47,528 On the sphinx's body itself. On the sphinx's body itself.
300 00:15:49,658 00:15:52,984 Mastrelli: The unique pattern running through the stone proves Mastrelli: The unique pattern running through the stone proves
301 00:15:52,994 00:15:55,995 That the rock that once surrounded the sphinx's body That the rock that once surrounded the sphinx's body
302 00:15:56,072 00:15:58,414 Was taken to make khafre's temples. Was taken to make khafre's temples.
303 00:15:59,492 00:16:02,585 So the sphinx itself must have been carved So the sphinx itself must have been carved
304 00:16:02,662 00:16:04,087 After khafre's temples. After khafre's temples.
305 00:16:05,248 00:16:08,049 There was no sphinx before that time. There was no sphinx before that time.
306 00:16:09,085 00:16:10,510 Lacovara: I think there's no doubt Lacovara: I think there's no doubt
307 00:16:10,586 00:16:12,253 That khafre built the great sphinx, That khafre built the great sphinx,
308 00:16:12,263 00:16:15,515 I think all the evidence points in that direction. I think all the evidence points in that direction.
309 00:16:15,591 00:16:17,517 Mastrelli: So the face on the sphinx has a name. Mastrelli: So the face on the sphinx has a name.
310 00:16:19,012 00:16:21,104 This is khafre. This is khafre.
311 00:16:22,849 00:16:24,065 One question remains: One question remains:
312 00:16:26,444 00:16:29,696 Can we discover why he built this monster? Can we discover why he built this monster?
313 00:16:29,772 00:16:32,448 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
314 00:16:34,119 00:16:36,285 The great sphinx of giza was built The great sphinx of giza was built
315 00:16:36,362 00:16:39,622 By the pharaoh khafre around 4,500 years ago. By the pharaoh khafre around 4,500 years ago.
316 00:16:41,367 00:16:44,377 But what motivated him to create this vast structure? But what motivated him to create this vast structure?
317 00:16:46,289 00:16:51,467 Around 2494 bce the pharaoh khafre died, Around 2494 bce the pharaoh khafre died,
318 00:16:51,544 00:16:54,137 After ruling egypt for a quarter of a century. After ruling egypt for a quarter of a century.
319 00:16:55,390 00:16:57,882 But he wasn't forgotten. But he wasn't forgotten.
320 00:16:57,892 00:17:00,551 Just a stone's throw from the sphinx, Just a stone's throw from the sphinx,
321 00:17:00,562 00:17:04,147 Archeologists have recently discovered a special cemetery Archeologists have recently discovered a special cemetery
322 00:17:04,223 00:17:06,524 Dedicated to priests of khafre. Dedicated to priests of khafre.
323 00:17:07,810 00:17:11,145 Their job was to keep his name alive after his death Their job was to keep his name alive after his death
324 00:17:11,156 00:17:14,240 Through religious rituals and offerings to the gods. Through religious rituals and offerings to the gods.
325 00:17:15,577 00:17:19,328 It's now believed that this cult of khafre lasted far longer It's now believed that this cult of khafre lasted far longer
326 00:17:19,405 00:17:21,822 Than previously suspected. Than previously suspected.
327 00:17:21,833 00:17:25,251 For hundreds of years priests tended khafre's temple. For hundreds of years priests tended khafre's temple.
328 00:17:26,921 00:17:29,080 But why did khafre's memory survive But why did khafre's memory survive
329 00:17:29,090 00:17:31,340 For so many centuries after his death? For so many centuries after his death?
330 00:17:33,086 00:17:36,337 The answer and the final clue to the mystery The answer and the final clue to the mystery
331 00:17:36,347 00:17:39,766 Of the sphinx lies with the giant statue itself Of the sphinx lies with the giant statue itself
332 00:17:39,842 00:17:41,851 And the temple that sits at its paws. And the temple that sits at its paws.
333 00:17:44,764 00:17:47,523 Archeologists call this the sphinx temple. Archeologists call this the sphinx temple.
334 00:17:47,600 00:17:49,525 Built by the pharaoh khafre, Built by the pharaoh khafre,
335 00:17:49,602 00:17:51,861 It's the only one of its kind in egypt. It's the only one of its kind in egypt.
336 00:17:53,523 00:17:57,533 Lacovara: Around it are these remains of huge pillars Lacovara: Around it are these remains of huge pillars
337 00:17:57,610 00:18:01,779 Which would have had giant statues of khafre standing Which would have had giant statues of khafre standing
338 00:18:01,790 00:18:03,372 In front of them. In front of them.
339 00:18:03,449 00:18:08,285 And then this one here, one over here, one over here, And then this one here, one over here, one over here,
340 00:18:08,296 00:18:12,465 One there, so we have 12 statues in total. One there, so we have 12 statues in total.
341 00:18:14,803 00:18:17,962 Mastrelli: Altogether, lacovara maps out the positions Mastrelli: Altogether, lacovara maps out the positions
342 00:18:17,972 00:18:22,391 Of 24 stone pillars and what he believes Of 24 stone pillars and what he believes
343 00:18:22,468 00:18:24,969 Were 12 huge statues of khafre. Were 12 huge statues of khafre.
344 00:18:24,979 00:18:28,064 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
345 00:18:28,141 00:18:31,308 To lacovara, this means khafre To lacovara, this means khafre
346 00:18:31,319 00:18:33,694 And his people were sun worshipers. And his people were sun worshipers.
347 00:18:36,399 00:18:39,400 Lacovara: It's a time when the god of the sun Lacovara: It's a time when the god of the sun
348 00:18:39,410 00:18:42,411 Is becoming much more important in egyptian religion. Is becoming much more important in egyptian religion.
349 00:18:43,832 00:18:47,491 The solar symbolism of this temple is pretty clear, The solar symbolism of this temple is pretty clear,
350 00:18:47,502 00:18:50,419 It's reflected in the numbers of the statues, It's reflected in the numbers of the statues,
351 00:18:50,496 00:18:52,171 Symbolizing the hours of the day. Symbolizing the hours of the day.
352 00:18:54,750 00:18:57,501 Mastrelli: This is the key to understanding the purpose Mastrelli: This is the key to understanding the purpose
353 00:18:57,512 00:18:58,302 Of the sphinx. Of the sphinx.
354 00:19:01,507 00:19:04,183 It's part of a vast cosmic building project. It's part of a vast cosmic building project.
355 00:19:07,438 00:19:10,931 And when lacovara maps out the positions of khafre's temple, And when lacovara maps out the positions of khafre's temple,
356 00:19:10,942 00:19:13,609 The sphinx and the pyramid, The sphinx and the pyramid,
357 00:19:13,686 00:19:15,778 Their religious significance becomes clear. Their religious significance becomes clear.
358 00:19:17,532 00:19:21,609 He discovers that during the spring and fall equinoxes, He discovers that during the spring and fall equinoxes,
359 00:19:21,619 00:19:23,944 The two special times of the year when day The two special times of the year when day
360 00:19:23,955 00:19:26,539 And night are in perfect balance, And night are in perfect balance,
361 00:19:26,616 00:19:31,294 Sphinx, temple and pyramid are all perfectly aligned Sphinx, temple and pyramid are all perfectly aligned
362 00:19:31,370 00:19:33,379 With the rising and setting sun. With the rising and setting sun.
363 00:19:35,800 00:19:37,133 Lacovara: And you can kind of visualize it Lacovara: And you can kind of visualize it
364 00:19:37,210 00:19:40,628 'cause during the equinox the sun rises directly 'cause during the equinox the sun rises directly
365 00:19:40,638 00:19:42,796 Over this court. Over this court.
366 00:19:42,807 00:19:45,224 In the center axis of the temple we have a niche In the center axis of the temple we have a niche
367 00:19:45,301 00:19:48,728 For a statue, and then on the opposite wall For a statue, and then on the opposite wall
368 00:19:48,804 00:19:52,648 Of the temple we have another niche also on center axis, Of the temple we have another niche also on center axis,
369 00:19:52,725 00:19:55,568 And these two statues would be illuminated And these two statues would be illuminated
370 00:19:55,645 00:19:58,738 During the equinox so the sun would rise During the equinox so the sun would rise
371 00:19:58,814 00:20:01,398 And light up the statues giving birth to the statue And light up the statues giving birth to the statue
372 00:20:01,409 00:20:04,235 As it's illuminated, then as it makes its arc As it's illuminated, then as it makes its arc
373 00:20:04,245 00:20:07,571 Across the sky, the statue would be darkened to die Across the sky, the statue would be darkened to die
374 00:20:07,582 00:20:10,917 And then it would illuminate the other one showing it reborn And then it would illuminate the other one showing it reborn
375 00:20:10,993 00:20:14,503 So we have this eternal cycle of death and rebirth. So we have this eternal cycle of death and rebirth.
376 00:20:14,580 00:20:16,497 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
377 00:20:16,507 00:20:18,758 Mastrelli: On these special days of the year, Mastrelli: On these special days of the year,
378 00:20:18,834 00:20:22,086 The sun passes over the temple and drops down The sun passes over the temple and drops down
379 00:20:22,096 00:20:25,348 Behind the sphinx itself to the base of khafre's pyramid. Behind the sphinx itself to the base of khafre's pyramid.
380 00:20:27,518 00:20:32,271 Sun, pyramid, sphinx, temple, all united, Sun, pyramid, sphinx, temple, all united,
381 00:20:35,017 00:20:38,185 With the sphinx, the symbol of the pharaoh himself, With the sphinx, the symbol of the pharaoh himself,
382 00:20:38,196 00:20:40,613 Presenting offerings to the sun god. Presenting offerings to the sun god.
383 00:20:40,690 00:20:42,698 Lacovara: This is a giant representation Lacovara: This is a giant representation
384 00:20:42,775 00:20:45,409 Of khafre offering this temple to the gods. Of khafre offering this temple to the gods.
385 00:20:46,946 00:20:47,954 Mastrelli: We can look at the sphinx Mastrelli: We can look at the sphinx
386 00:20:48,030 00:20:49,455 And call it a vanity project: And call it a vanity project:
387 00:20:51,042 00:20:54,126 A man carves his own image directly into a rock face, A man carves his own image directly into a rock face,
388 00:20:55,880 00:21:00,040 But in fact, the ambition behind it seems far bigger. But in fact, the ambition behind it seems far bigger.
389 00:21:00,051 00:21:03,344 The way all this was built, the positioning of each stone, The way all this was built, the positioning of each stone,
390 00:21:04,389 00:21:08,474 The alignment of sphinx with temple and pyramids, The alignment of sphinx with temple and pyramids,
391 00:21:08,551 00:21:11,644 These make it a piece of precision engineering. These make it a piece of precision engineering.
392 00:21:11,721 00:21:15,723 And the way lacovara reads it, it all has a special purpose: And the way lacovara reads it, it all has a special purpose:
393 00:21:15,733 00:21:20,736 To give khafre nothing less than immortality. To give khafre nothing less than immortality.
394 00:21:20,813 00:21:22,989 Lacovara: So the main purpose of all this construction, Lacovara: So the main purpose of all this construction,
395 00:21:23,065 00:21:27,326 All this building, was to ensure the eternal life, All this building, was to ensure the eternal life,
396 00:21:27,403 00:21:29,912 The immortal existence of the pharaoh, of khafre. The immortal existence of the pharaoh, of khafre.
397 00:21:31,082 00:21:34,000 Mastrelli: And although his world eventually vanished, Mastrelli: And although his world eventually vanished,
398 00:21:34,076 00:21:38,245 Khafre's plan to live forever seems to have worked. Khafre's plan to live forever seems to have worked.
399 00:21:38,256 00:21:40,006 (rumbling) (rumbling)
400 00:21:40,082 00:21:43,342 Millions of tourists still flock to egypt to gaze in wonder Millions of tourists still flock to egypt to gaze in wonder
401 00:21:43,419 00:21:45,753 Upon the face of khafre. Upon the face of khafre.
402 00:21:45,763 00:21:48,088 These are not the devoted pilgrimages of the time These are not the devoted pilgrimages of the time
403 00:21:48,099 00:21:50,433 Of thutmose iv, and even Of thutmose iv, and even
404 00:21:50,509 00:21:52,184 If the visitors don't leave offerings If the visitors don't leave offerings
405 00:21:52,261 00:21:54,762 And instead return home with souvenirs, And instead return home with souvenirs,
406 00:21:54,772 00:21:57,523 It's probably not a big deal for khafre, It's probably not a big deal for khafre,
407 00:21:57,600 00:21:59,066 It's the attention that matters. It's the attention that matters.