Lycian Guardian Sphinx

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Illustration

Jan van der Crabben
by
published on 16 August 2023
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Lycian Guardian Sphinx Download Full Size Image

Guardian sphinx from a gable, from building H in Xanthos, Lycia (modern-day Turkey), c. 460 BCE.

The sphinx, a creature combining elements of a woman, a lion, and a bird, had significant associations with death in both Greece and Lycia, often adorning the monuments constructed for the deceased. Each sphinx was overseen by a protective, crouched lion. The design of the sphinxes on this gable end deviates slightly from the norm. The presence of red pigment can be detected on their feathers.

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About the Author

Jan van der Crabben
Jan is the Founder and CEO of World History Encyclopedia. He holds an MA War Studies from King's College, and he has worked in the field of history-related digital media since 2006.

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Cite This Work

APA Style

Crabben, J. v. d. (2023, August 16). Lycian Guardian Sphinx. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17739/lycian-guardian-sphinx/

Chicago Style

Crabben, Jan van der. "Lycian Guardian Sphinx." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified August 16, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17739/lycian-guardian-sphinx/.

MLA Style

Crabben, Jan van der. "Lycian Guardian Sphinx." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 16 Aug 2023. Web. 21 Dec 2024.

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