The Water Erosion Hypothesis: Great Sphinx of Giza

The claim of water erosion on the base and sides of the Great Sphinx of Giza is a compelling piece of evidence that supports the idea of a wetter and more humid climate in ancient Egypt during the "Green Sahara" period.

The Water Erosion Hypothesis:

1. Observation:

   • The Great Sphinx, carved from limestone, shows patterns of erosion that some researchers argue are consistent with prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall.
   • These patterns include deep vertical fissures and rounded weathering on the Sphinx's body and enclosure walls, which differ significantly from the typical erosion caused by wind and sand in the current arid climate.

2. Proponents of the Theory:

   • Dr. Robert Schoch, a geologist, is one of the leading advocates of this theory. He argues that the type of erosion visible on the Sphinx's enclosure could only have been caused by substantial and sustained rainfall, which Egypt hasn’t experienced for thousands of years.
   • Based on his analysis, he suggests the Sphinx could date back to at least 9,000–7,000 BCE, much older than the traditional dating (around 2,500 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre).

3. Opposition:

   • Mainstream Egyptologists argue that the Sphinx was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre and dismiss the water erosion evidence as either misinterpreted or resulting from other factors, like underground water or localized flooding.

4. Supporting Evidence from Climate History:

   • During the Age of Leo (~10,936 BCE), the Sahara and surrounding regions were experiencing the African Humid Period. This wetter climate would have made heavy and sustained rainfall possible in areas like Giza.
   • This aligns with the erosion patterns observed by Dr. Schoch and others.

Broader Implications:

If the water erosion hypothesis is correct, it would suggest:

• The Sphinx predates the traditional timeline of Egyptian civilization.
• There may have been an advanced culture or civilization capable of creating monumental architecture long before the rise of the known pharaohs.
• The Sphinx could be linked to the Age of Leo, reinforcing symbolic connections between the lion-shaped Sphinx and this astrological age.

This theory, while controversial, adds another layer of intrigue to our understanding of ancient civilizations and their relationship with the changing environment.