The Great Sphinx of Giza remains one of archaeology's most enduring mysteries, with speculation about hidden tunnels, shafts, and chambers persisting for generations. Evidence gathered from historical photographs, including rare aerial images from 1925 and 1990, reveals intriguing features that have been largely kept from public view. These include what appears to be a hatch on the Sphinx's head and a shaft at the rear of the monument that was documented during a 2009 investigation.

Ground-penetrating radar has detected cavities within and beneath the Sphinx, particularly near its paws. Curiously, while the monument is carved from natural limestone bedrock, the area in front of the paws is covered with stone tiles—the only section around the Sphinx with such treatment. This tiled area coincides with where scanning technology has identified a potential chamber, raising questions about what might lie beneath and why access to these sites remains so restricted.

Key Takeaways

Historical photographs reveal rarely seen features including a hatch on the Sphinx's head and a shaft at its rear that remain largely undocumented.
Ground-penetrating radar has detected cavities beneath the Sphinx, particularly near the paws where stone tiles cover the area instead of exposed bedrock.
Access to potential chambers and tunnels within the Sphinx remains highly restricted, with limited photographic evidence available to researchers or the public.

Great Sphinx Secret Chambers

Head Opening Controversy

The existence of openings in the Great Sphinx has been a subject of intense debate among researchers and the public. Historical photographs from 1925 show a cavity at the top of the Sphinx's head, approximately 4-5 feet deep. More revealing evidence comes from New York Times photographs taken in May 1990, which clearly show scaffolding around the Sphinx's head and what appears to be a hatch-like opening. This photographic evidence contradicts claims that such openings are merely digital fabrications or color variations.

Aerial photography of the Sphinx is notably restricted, with Google Maps and Google Earth providing limited visibility of these features. This restriction has fueled speculation about why such aerial views remain difficult to access.

In 2009, Dr. Zahi Hawass documented himself opening a shaft door on the Sphinx's back. The video shows him revealing an opening that descends into darkness and casts shadows indicating it extends in some direction. Dr. Hawass claimed this shaft "leads nowhere" and was likely created by treasure hunters, but no comprehensive photographic documentation of the shaft's interior has been made available to the public.

Attempts to Limit Information

Several incidents suggest deliberate restriction of information about chambers within and beneath the Sphinx:

Rear Tunnel Access: A shaft entrance at the base of the Sphinx near the tail has been documented but remains largely unknown to the public. Dr. Hawass has shown this entrance on video but offered limited views of where it leads.
Three-Week Excavation: In the 1970s, a three-week excavation was conducted after a stone block came loose, led by Mark Lehner and associates of Dr. Hawass. Despite the significant time invested, the results of this excavation were not thoroughly shared with the public.
Ground-Penetrating Radar Evidence: Scientific surveys using ground-penetrating radar have detected cavities beneath the Sphinx's paws. When questioned about these findings, Egyptian authorities conducted drilling operations and declared nothing was found, but independent verification by other archaeologists was not permitted.

A particularly telling detail is the presence of stone tiles only in front of the Sphinx's paws—precisely where ground-penetrating radar identified a potential chamber. The rest of the area surrounding the Sphinx consists of natural limestone bedrock. These tiles have been systematically replaced and the entire area covered with boardwalks, raising questions about what might exist beneath this uniquely paved section.

Historical accounts spanning centuries have suggested an underground tunnel system potentially connecting the Sphinx to nearby pyramids and a theoretical Hall of Records, though official confirmation of such connections remains elusive.

Aerial Analysis of the Sphinx Structure

Limitations of Digital Mapping Services

The ability to examine the Sphinx from above faces significant challenges. Digital platforms like Google Images and Maps provide remarkably limited aerial perspectives of this ancient monument. When attempting to zoom in on Google Maps, the resolution deteriorates dramatically, showing only indistinct features. Google Earth offers even less useful information, displaying what appears to be an animated or rendered version rather than actual photography. These limitations are not coincidental but reflect strict regulations by Egyptian authorities regarding aerial access to this historical site.

Significant Discovery in 1925 Aerial Image

A photograph from 1925 reveals interesting details about the Sphinx's head structure. This historical image shows a person standing in what appears to be a cavity or depression on top of the monument. While this single image doesn't conclusively demonstrate the depth or purpose of this feature, it provides early evidence of structural anomalies that deserve further investigation. The shallow depression measures approximately 4-5 feet in depth, but the photograph doesn't clarify whether this cavity connects to internal chambers.

The New York Times Photographic Evidence

Perhaps the most compelling evidence comes from a New York Times photographic session conducted in May 1990. These rarely seen images capture Dr. Zahi Hawass at the Sphinx with scaffolding erected around the monument's head. One critical photograph clearly shows what appears to be a hatch or entrance point at the top of the Sphinx's head. This documentation directly contradicts claims that alleged openings are merely digital fabrications or color variations in the stone.

Additional photographic evidence documents a shaft entrance on the Sphinx's back near the rear, which Dr. Hawass himself demonstrated in a 2009 video. This shaft descends into the structure, casting shadows that suggest it continues in some direction, though the specific path remains undocumented in public materials.

Another significant access point exists at the base of the Sphinx, to the left of the tail. Despite Dr. Hawass stating this tunnel "leads nowhere," historical records indicate a three-week excavation project was conducted there in the 1970s—an extensive timeframe for exploring a supposedly empty passage.

Ground-penetrating radar has identified a chamber-like cavity beneath the Sphinx's paws—notably, the only area around the monument covered with stone tiles rather than exposed bedrock. Recent restoration work has expanded these tile coverings, potentially concealing access to underground structures.

Zahi Hawass's Role in Sphinx Investigations

Evidence of Scaffolding at the Sphinx's Head

Photographic evidence from May 1990, captured during a New York Times photoshoot, shows Dr. Zahi Hawass standing near scaffolding erected around the Sphinx's head. The remarkable images reveal what appears to be a hatch or opening at the top of the monument's head. This discovery contradicts claims that such an opening is merely digital manipulation or a natural color variation in the stone.

These photographs are particularly significant because aerial views of the Sphinx are extremely limited. Egyptian authorities have restricted flyovers of the monument, and current Google Earth imagery of the area is either heavily zoomed out or replaced with animated renderings. A historical photograph from 1925 also shows a cavity in the head area, though its depth and purpose remain unclear.

Access Point on the Sphinx's Back

In 2009, Dr. Hawass personally demonstrated the existence of a shaft door located on the upper back portion of the Sphinx. This event was documented in a short video where he opens the door and points down into a passage. Based on visible shadows, the shaft clearly extends in some direction, though its ultimate destination remains undisclosed.

Dr. Hawass claimed during this demonstration that the passage "leads nowhere" and suggested it was likely excavated by treasure hunters at some point in history. Notably, no comprehensive documentation of the shaft's interior has been made available to the public. No camera footage showing the full extent of this passage exists, despite how simple it would be to lower a camera on a rope to document its contents.

Rear Left Shaft Investigation

Another significant feature is a shaft located at the base of the Sphinx near its rear left side, close to the tail. Dr. Hawass has been filmed entering this passage with a camera crew, but the footage is limited and does not show where the tunnel leads beyond its entrance.

During the 1970s, this area became the focus of a three-week excavation after a stone block came loose. Mark Lehner, a long-time associate of Dr. Hawass, participated in this investigation. The extensive timeframe dedicated to excavating what was later described as a passage that "goes nowhere" raises questions about what might have been discovered.

Historical accounts dating back centuries suggest the possible existence of tunnel systems connecting the Sphinx to the pyramids and a theoretical Hall of Records. Interestingly, the area in front of the Sphinx's paws is the only section around the monument covered with stone tiles rather than exposed bedrock, coinciding with where ground-penetrating radar has detected subsurface anomalies.

Changing Statements Over Time

Dr. Hawass's position regarding tunnels and chambers within and beneath the Sphinx has noticeably evolved over decades. He initially denied the existence of any tunnels or chambers within the Sphinx structure for many years.

When confronted with evidence from ground-penetrating radar suggesting a cavity beneath the Sphinx's paw, Dr. Hawass conducted drilling operations and subsequently declared that nothing was found. However, he prevented independent researchers like John Anthony West and Robert Schoch from examining the site themselves.

The area where radar indicated a potential chamber has since been covered with stone tiles and boardwalks, significantly limiting access and visibility. This restricted access is particularly notable given that the Sphinx and its surroundings are primarily carved from natural limestone bedrock, with these stone tiles being an exception specifically placed in an area of archaeological interest.

Dr. Hawass's explanations have shifted from complete denial of any internal structures to acknowledging their existence but dismissing their significance, creating inconsistencies in the official narrative about the monument.

Secrets Hidden Beneath the Great Sphinx

Radar Technology Reveals Hidden Chambers

Ground-penetrating radar investigations around the Sphinx have identified several anomalies suggesting the presence of hollow spaces within and beneath the monument. These technological surveys have consistently detected cavity-like structures that challenge the official narrative about the monument's construction.

Multiple archaeological teams have employed radar technology at the site, with findings indicating potential tunnel systems and chambers. Despite these discoveries, access to complete survey results remains restricted, with only limited information made public.

The Egyptian authorities have maintained tight control over aerial photography and drone access to the Sphinx, making independent verification difficult. Historical photographs from 1925 and 1990 reveal features at the top of the Sphinx's head that appear to be man-made openings.

The Mystery of the Paw Chamber

Evidence suggests a significant cavity exists beneath the Sphinx's paw. This chamber, detected through ground-penetrating radar, has been the subject of considerable archaeological interest from researchers like John Anthony West and Robert Schoch.

In 2009, Dr. Zahi Hawass conducted limited explorations in this area but concluded nothing significant existed beneath the paw. However, independent researchers have questioned these findings, noting that:

No comprehensive photographic documentation was provided
The exploration was not conducted transparently
Access to the site for independent verification was denied

A video from the exploration shows Dr. Hawass opening an access point, but the camera never fully documents where the passage leads or what might be found at its terminus.

Stone Tiles vs. Natural Bedrock Configuration

A compelling inconsistency exists in the construction materials surrounding the Sphinx. While the monument itself and most of its surroundings consist of natural limestone bedrock, the area directly in front of the paws features distinctive stone tiles.

This architectural anomaly is particularly significant because:

Location Material Sphinx body Limestone bedrock Left of Sphinx Limestone bedrock Right of Sphinx Limestone bedrock Between paws Limestone bedrock In front of paws Stone tiles

The stone-tiled area precisely corresponds with where ground-penetrating radar detected a potential chamber. Recent restoration work has involved replacing these tiles and installing boardwalks that cover this specific section.

This arrangement has led some researchers to speculate that the tiles might function as a roofing system for an underground chamber, providing access that could be concealed when necessary.

Historical Findings and Underground Mysteries

1970s Archaeological Work and Subsequent Restrictions

Evidence from the 1970s reveals significant excavation work at the Great Sphinx that raises questions about what may have been discovered. During this period, a stone block came loose, prompting a three-week excavation effort involving archaeologist Mark Lehner, a long-time associate of Dr. Zahi Hawass. The length of this excavation seems noteworthy, particularly given the subsequent lack of public disclosure about any findings.

Photographic evidence from 1990 shows Dr. Hawass with scaffolding positioned at the top of the Sphinx's head, with clear images of what appears to be a hatch or opening. This corresponds with later footage from 2009 when Dr. Hawass documented opening a shaft door on the Sphinx's back, revealing a passage that descends to some depth and appears to continue in a specific direction.

Tunnel System Connecting the Sphinx to the Pyramids

Multiple access points to potential underground networks have been identified at the Sphinx. A particularly notable entrance exists at the base of the monument, near the rear to the left of the tail. Dr. Hawass has been filmed entering this passage but has stated it leads nowhere significant. Curiously, the available footage never shows what lies beyond the entrance area or in which direction the passage continues.

Ground-penetrating radar surveys have detected what appears to be a cavity or chamber beneath the Sphinx's paw. When examining the area in front of the Sphinx, an unusual feature becomes apparent - while the monument itself and surrounding areas consist of natural limestone bedrock, the area in front of the paws is covered with stone tiles. These tiles are placed precisely where radar has indicated the presence of a subterranean chamber.

The placement of these stone tiles, which don't appear elsewhere around the monument, could potentially indicate a roofing system for whatever lies beneath. In recent years, authorities have expanded these stone coverings and added boardwalks throughout the front section of the monument, further limiting direct access to this area.

Unveiling the Hidden Chambers: Secret Tunnels Beneath the Great Sphinx of Giza