Sphinx of King Amenemhat III

This sculpture represents one of seven nearly identical sphinxes of King Amenemhat III, ruler of the 12th Dynasty during Egypt’s Middle Kingdom (c. 1831–1786 BCE). Each sphinx in this series embodies the pharaoh’s dual nature—combining the raw physical power of a lion with the wisdom and divine rule of a king. This particular sphinx was discovered at Tanis in the Nile Delta, a significant religious and political site in later periods. Carved from granite, the sculpture features Amenemhat III’s distinct facial features—a broad, youthful face with full lips and a serene expression—designed to evoke strength, calm authority, and eternal divinity. It was part of a broader tradition of temple guardianship, placed in pairs or sequences to flank sacred pathways or temple entrances. Amenemhat III’s reign is considered a pinnacle of Middle Kingdom prosperity. He was known for massive building projects, including advanced irrigation systems and the impressive Labyrinth temple complex at Hawara. His government promoted stability, infrastructure, and strong religious ties—values reflected in his monumental statuary. What distinguishes this sphinx is its reuse across dynasties. In later periods, especially during the Third Intermediate Period, other kings—including Psusennes III—carved their names into the base and body, effectively claiming the statue's divine and royal symbolism for themselves. This practice of reappropriating earlier monuments was common in Egypt, reinforcing continuity and reverence across generations. Together, these sphinxes tell not just the story of a king, but of an enduring idea—that pharaohs were the divine force holding together the universe, their likenesses carved to last through eternity.