Egypt is in an economic crisis. Archaeological finds could boost tourism again. In the southern part of the country an ancient attraction is added: a smaller version of the famous Sphinx with a smile.
Archaeologists have discovered a "smiling sphinx with two dimples" near the Temple of Hathor in southern Egypt. A Roman stele with ancient Egyptian inscriptions and hieroglyphs was found next to the limestone sphinx discovered in a two-story tomb. From this, the researchers hope to find out who the Sphinx is supposed to represent, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said. They therefore believe that it could be the Roman Emperor Claudius.
The Hathor Temple, about 500 km south of the capital Cairo, is mainly known for the Zodiac of Dendera found there. The sky map has been on display in the Louvre in Paris since 1922.
Egypt has presented a large number of archaeological finds in recent years. Only last Thursday, the authorities announced the discovery of a hidden, nine-meter-long corridor in the Cheops pyramid. Further south, at Luxor, archaeologists uncovered an 1,800-year-old "complete Roman-era residential city," officials said in January.
Critics warn that the finds are more about media attention than sound research. In fact, after years of political instability and the corona pandemic, Egypt, which is stuck in an economic crisis with its archaeological treasures, wants to boost tourism, which is so important for the country. By 2028, the mark of 30 million tourists per year should be reached - before the corona pandemic it was 13 million annually.
