Mystery of Ancient Pharoah Found in Israel

This sphinx fragment was found by archaeologists with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem during excavations at Hazor. (Amnon Ben-Tor, Sharon Zuckerman / Hebrew University Institute of Archaeology)

“Beloved by the divine manifestation that gave him eternal life.”

Those were the words that were the first clue archeologists working at a World Heritage Site, north of the sea of the Galilee in Israel, might just have found the only existing sphinx of Egyptian King Menkaure, who ruled Egypt over 4,000 years ago. The discovery was a complete surprise since there is no known relationship between Egypt and Israel during that time period. Archeologists do not believe Egypt was in a position of rule over any part of Israel, but rather, believe it was brought there later, possibly as a gift, or sign of strength. 

Menkaure is the same king that built one of the most well known Egyptian pyramids in Giza. Archeologists also believe the sphinx was originally placed in an area near Cairo, called Heliopolis, which was once home to practices of sun worship. This area, for the most part, is not a tour attraction, and was covered some time ago by modern day Cairo. It is true, however, that new discoveries are made every day in areas near this ancient city Heliopolis. Included is the sprawling discovery of pharaoh tombs, made in Ain Shams, Cairo, a few years ago. Ain Shams was once part of the ancient city of sun worship in Heliopolis.

The sphinx, which partly resembles a lion, is indicative of the type of worship known to Egypt, and other regions of the ancient world. Sun worship was a common practice, and was the subject of art work throughout India, and Greece, during that time period. Art and other artifacts often leave clues to the past behind, and tell magnificent stories.

This story of the sphinx, associated with this powerful Egyptian king, mysteriously begins at the foot of a city palace. It was at the entrance to this palace, where the hands of a sphinx still laid hold that a story began to unfold. Archeologists began to make the connection between Hazor, who ruled during the era of the Canaanites, in the 13th century B.C., and a later time when Egypt was ruled by a Canaanite people.

It is theorized the sphinx arrived in Israel during the 17th or 18th centuries, or possibly as a gift during an earlier time period. Hazor was once a city of significance and extreme importance. It was a city once fought for and conquered by the Israelites, and was rebuilt during King Solomon’s reign. It was later destroyed during the Assyrian invasion.  

King Menkaure sphinx is considered an incredible historical discovery since no other sphinx of King Menkaure exists, not even in Egypt. It also tells a story of the ancient world that if we listen closely tells of a past. A past in practices of sun worship, strength of nations, and later, their eventual fall.