The Great Sphinx - one of the most recognizable STATUES IN THE WORLD

The Great Sphinx is part of the Giza Plateau complex, but deserves a post of its own.  It is one of the most recognizable constructions in history.  A mythical creature with the head of a man, and the body of a lion, facing directly from west to east, The face of the Sphinx is believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre. Sculpted from soft sandstone, many believe that the Spihinx would have disappeared long ago had it not been buried in the sand for so many long periods in its lifetime. The body is 200ft long and 65ft., which when next to the pyramids seem small.  

There is a wall around the Sphinx, and archeologists believe, that as a young prince,Thutmose IV fell asleap in the shade of the Spinx. At the time the Sphinx was buried up to it's neck in sand.  Thutmose, who was not the crown prince,  had a dream where Ra-Hor-Akhty the sun god, talking through the Sphinx, spoke to him, telling the young prince to clear away the sand because the Sphinx was choking on it. 

The Sphinx said to him that if he did this, he would become King of Egypt.  Thutmose did as he was asked, and after completing the request of the Sphinx, Thutmose placed a carved stone tablet, now known as the Dream Stele, between the paws of the Sphinx. The restoration of the Sphinx, and the text of the Dream Stele would be a piece of propaganda meant to bestow legitimacy upon his unexpected kingship.

 It should be mentioned that little is known about King Thutmose's IV reign as king.