Tempel te Thebe before 1862

This photograph by Francis Frith captures the temple at Thebes. Dominating the view are the blocks of stone which were once a gateway lined with sphinxes, symbols of power and guardianship in ancient Egypt. These mythical creatures—part lion, part human—stood as silent sentinels, embodying royal authority and divine protection. The figure of the sphinx transcends time and place. From the monumental Great Sphinx of Giza to its appearance in Greek mythology, where it posed riddles, the sphinx embodies wisdom, mystery, and the untamed forces of nature. Over centuries, it has morphed from a symbol of royal might to a guardian of secrets, reflecting our enduring fascination with enigmatic knowledge. The emotional weight of such symbols is profound. The image evokes a sense of awe and timelessness, engaging our collective memory of past civilizations and inviting contemplation of the mysteries of existence. It speaks to how symbols can resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across time.