Sphinx

The sphinx, long known as a symbol of Egypt, was most likely built for the pharaoh Khafre during his reign in the Old Kingdom. The date of construction is unknown, and the structure may have been built to connect spiritually with the sun god, Ra. This is believed to be the case because the Egyptian term for "sphinx" was "shesep ankh Atum", which literally means the "living image of Atum", who in this case, is the god of creation and the setting sun.

Sources: http://www.aeraweb.org/projects/sphinx/ Class notes 2/6/2013

Picture Sources:

Jayan Hanson