When I looked at the letters, I was very impressed with how the kids really understood many important things about the Sphinx, including the restoration that was done by Monsieur Emile Baraize in 1926. 

 

All of the letters were very good, and I’m sorry I can’t include all of them on my website, but I would like to address questions from a few of the letters:

 

In the letter from Kayla, she asks about treasures under the Sphinx. We were recently able to see if there were any hidden chambers under the Sphinx during our groundwater project. We drilled several holes under the Sphinx to test the water levels and to pump out excess water which was threatening the limestone. After drilling for nearly 80 feet, we inserted a camera so we could see if there was anything underneath. We did not find any secret hidden chambers or treasure, only solid rock.

 

Sydney talks about how the Sphinx was buried under the sand for a long time. The fact that the Sphinx was repeatedly buried under the sand protected it from further damage and deterioration. If it had not been buried under the sand, the Sphinx would be in much worse condition today.

 

Sofia asked about who built the Sphinx. All of the evidence tells us that Khafre, the son of Khufu and pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty, is the builder of the Sphinx.

 

Many students, including Kiara, asked about what is being done to preserve the Sphinx. I have worked very hard in supervising the restoration of the Sphinx. The recent preservation efforts include repairing earlier restorations that were damaging the monument and pumping out groundwater, which is being absorbed from the Nile. The preservation of the Sphinx will be an ongoing effort to ensure that this monument will last for many more centuries.

 

Hans and Lukas are worried about the Sphinx being damaged by water and having it put under glass. I am happy to tell them that this will not happen. The water under the Sphinx is not a problem at all. It is fresh water and there is no salt to damage the Sphinx.

 

Nola and Gareth are also worried about the Sphinx being protected from the climate. The climate will not affect the Sphinx. We are like doctors, watching over the Sphinx all the time and the Sphinx is now in good condition. Also, this monument cannot be damaged by tourists because when they come to visit the Sphinx they must stay about 100 feet away. This prevents anyone from touching or damaging the Sphinx.

 

I would like to thank all these students and invite them on a private tour of the Cleopatra exhibit in Philadelphia, which opens on June 5th at the Franklin Institute. I wish these students all the best and I hope they continue to learn about ancient Egypt.