The Great Sphinx of Giza, located on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, has long fascinated researchers and historians. Recently, two Ukrainian scientists, Vjacheslav I. Manichev and Alexander G. Parkhomenko, have proposed a controversial theory suggesting that the Sphinx is approximately 800,000 years old. This assertion was presented at the International Conference of Geoarchaeology and Archaeomineralogy, held in Sofia, under the title “GEOLOGICAL ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM OF DATING THE GREAT EGYPTIAN SPHINX CONSTRUCTION.”
The Basis for the 800,000-Year Claim
Manichev and Parkhomenko’s research centers on geological evidence indicating that the Sphinx has been subjected to significant water erosion. They argue that this erosion is consistent with a time when large bodies of water existed in the region, particularly during the Calabrian phase of the Pleistocene epoch. Their hypothesis posits that the Sphinx was partially submerged in water for extended periods, leading to the formation of distinctive wave-cut hollows on its surface.
The researchers cite geological studies that document changes in sea levels in the Nile Valley area over millions of years. They reference findings indicating that during the end of the Pliocene epoch (between 5.2 and 1.6 million years ago), sea water intruded into the Nile Valley, creating extensive flooding conditions that would have affected the Sphinx. According to their analysis, these geological conditions align with an era approximately 800,000 years ago, when freshwater lakes were prevalent in regions adjacent to the Nile.
Erosion Patterns
The study highlights specific erosional features on the Sphinx that are attributed to wave action rather than wind and sand erosion typically associated with desert environments. The researchers argue that these features are analogous to coastal erosion patterns observed in other parts of the world, reinforcing their claim that water played a significant role in shaping the Sphinx’s surface.
Manichev and Parkhomenko assert that their findings challenge traditional views regarding the age of the Sphinx and its construction timeline. They emphasize that existing geological literature supports their conclusions about prolonged exposure to water and its impact on the monument’s structure.
Historical Context
The implications of this theory extend beyond just dating the Sphinx; they suggest a need for a reevaluation of ancient civilizations’ timelines. If their hypothesis is accurate, it would imply that advanced human societies may have existed much earlier than currently accepted by mainstream archaeology. This perspective aligns with earlier theories proposed by researchers like Robert Schoch and John Anthony West, who also suggested that water erosion patterns indicated a much older origin for the Sphinx.
Previous Research
Robert Schoch’s work in particular has been pivotal in discussions surrounding the age of the Sphinx. He concluded that distinct water erosion features on the monument could only have formed during periods of significant rainfall—conditions not present during Egypt’s arid history over the last 5,000 years. Schoch’s research has led him to propose dates for the Sphinx’s construction as far back as 10,000 BCE, based on evidence of extensive weathering caused by heavy rainfall.
Schoch’s findings were met with skepticism from mainstream Egyptologists who maintain that there is no substantial evidence for human civilization existing at such an early date. However, Schoch and others argue that traditional archaeological methods may overlook crucial geological evidence that could provide a more accurate understanding of ancient human activity.
The Need for Further Research
Manichev and Parkhomenko’s study calls for further interdisciplinary research combining geology and archaeology to explore these claims more thoroughly. They advocate for a comprehensive examination of geological formations around Giza to better understand how environmental factors may have influenced both natural erosion processes and human construction techniques.
Their assertions about an 800,000-year-old Sphinx challenge not only established timelines but also provoke questions about humanity’s historical narrative. If their claims hold validity, they could reshape our understanding of early civilizations and their capabilities.
Conclusion
The proposal put forth by Vjacheslav I. Manichev and Alexander G. Parkhomenko regarding the age of the Great Sphinx represents a significant departure from conventional archaeological thought. By emphasizing geological evidence of water erosion and its implications for dating this monumental structure, they contribute to an ongoing debate about humanity’s past.
While their theory remains controversial and faces skepticism from established academic circles, it underscores a broader discourse on how geological factors can inform our understanding of ancient monuments. This research invites further exploration into not only the origins of the Sphinx but also the potential existence of advanced civilizations long before recorded history suggests.
