Between the paws of the Great Sphinx at Giza, one of the most powerful of all the monuments of Egypt, there lies a granite stele inscribed with a strange story-an account of certain curious events during the reign of King Amenhotep II (1427-1401BC). |
It so happened, recounts the stele that a young prince of the royal house was hunting in the desert near Giza. His name was Tuthmosis; and as one of the king's younger sons, he had no hopes of the succession-or so he believed. That day the sun burned particularly fiercely, and by noon the prince was very weary. Finding himself close to the Great Sphinx-of which only the head still showed above the windblown desert sands-he sought out a cool spot in its ancient shade and promptly fell alseep.Immediately, there came upon him an extraordinary dream in which the Sphinx itself came to life, and spoke to him, saying, "I am the sun god, and your father. Listen, and hear how you shall be the ruler of all Egypt." There was one condition-Tuthmosis must clear away all the desert sands that were engulfing the Sphinx. When he awoke, he hurred at once to Memphis, to organize a team of workman to shift the sand from the lion-body. The Sphinx remained true to its word and Tuthmosis was chosen as king above his elder brothers. In due course he was crowned as Tuthmosis IV. His reign lasted for ten years, and throughout that time he honoured the Sphinx. |
