Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass stated that the Sphinx underwent incorrect modifications during restoration work between 1980 and 1987, when old stones were removed and replaced with new ones.
Hawass explained during an interview on the “Hadith al-Qahera” (Cairo Talk) program, broadcast on the “Al-Qahera Wal Nas” (Cairo and People) channel, that these modifications resulted in the statue’s head appearing smaller compared to its body, which is covered with massive stones.
“They brought in a foolish engineer who removed the old stones, replaced them with new ones, and added cement. After that, we undertook a top-level, ten-year project, removing the stones and cement,” he explained.
Hawass emphasized that 32 pits were dug beneath the Sphinx, confirming that the bedrock is solid and that there are no hidden secrets beneath the statue.
Excavations in Giza pyramids area have not uncovered any artifacts or structures beneath the pyramids or the Sphinx, he stressed, contrary to conspiracy theories claiming the Pyramids were ancient power stations.
Hawass added that the Giza Plateau is part of al-Mokattam Plateau and contains some of Egypt’s greatest stones.
These are the same stones used by the ancient Egyptians to build the pyramids and the head of the Sphinx, he noted.
