Egyptian archaeologists have discovered a sphinx-like statue and the remains of a shrine in an ancient temple in southern Egypt.
The artifacts were discovered at Dendera temple in Qena province, 450 kilometers south of the capital Cairo, the antiquities ministry said in a statement. Archaeologists believe the statue’s smiling features may belong to Roman Emperor Claudius, who extended Roman rule over North Africa between AD 41 and 54.
Further research will be carried out on the markings on the stone slab, which may reveal more information about the identity and location of the statue.
The statue is much smaller than the imposing and well-known Sphinx of the pyramid complex of Giza, at 20 meters high.
Archaeologists also found a stone slab from the Roman period with demotic inscriptions and hieroglyphics. The limestone sanctuary features a two-tiered platform and Byzantine-era adobe masonry.
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