Great Sphinx of Giza
The artist
Unknown ancient Egyptian builders, around 2500 BC.
What you see
A giant stone creature with the body of a resting lion and the head of a human, thought to be a pharaoh, gazing out over the desert.
The story
For thousands of years it has guarded the great pyramids of Giza, and it is one of the oldest and largest statues ever made.
The style
It was not built from blocks but carved directly out of the solid limestone bedrock, right where the stone already stood.
Look closer
Notice that its nose is missing; the great face has been worn and damaged over its very long life in the wind and sand.
Where to see it
It still sits on the Giza plateau near Cairo, Egypt, next to the famous pyramids.
Fun fact
The Sphinx is so big that a grown-up standing next to one of its huge paws looks tiny, like a little mouse.