The Egyptian archaeological mission working on a project to reduce the ground water level at the Kom-Ombo Temple in Aswan, yesterday 16 September discovered a 70cm-high sandstone statue of a sphinx, the Ministry of Antiquities announced.
According to Mustafa al-Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the statue probably dates to the Ptolemaic era, which lasted from 332 to 30BC, since it was found in the southeastern side of Kom-Ombo temple which was built during that period. Ahmed Sayed, Director of the Kom-Ombo Antiquities, explained that the Ptolemaic era was known for small size sphinxes which the Ptolemies used to put in front of their temples to protect the temple and its wealth.
Two sandstone reliefs of King Ptolemy V were discovered in Kom-Ombo temple two months ago. The reliefs were engraved in sandstone and inscribed with hieroglyphic and demotic writings. They were moved to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation in Fustat, Cairo, for conservation and eventual display.
More archaeological studies will be conducted on the newly discovered sphinx, Antiquities Ministry officials announced.
Watani International
17 September 2018