‘Smiling’ sphinx statue discovered near Dendera

The face of the sphinx could possibly represent the Roman emperor Claudius

A statue of a ‘smiling’ sphinx that is wearing the royal nemes headdress has been unearthed by an Egyptian team excavating the Roman era Temple of Horus near Dendera.

The Roman Period sphinx discovered near Dendera. Image: copyright of the Ministry for Tourism and Antiquities

The face of the sphinx could possibly represent the Roman emperor Claudius, although there is some debate about this.

A stone stela discovered with the sphinx. Image: copyright of the Ministry for Tourism and Antiquities

It is hoped that the stela discovered next to the sphinx may shed more light on the identity of the pharaoh who is depicted.