Sphinx-lined road unearthed in Egypt

Washington, Nov 16 (ANI): Egyptian archaeologists have discovered an ancient road lined with sphinxes in Luxor.

Twelve sphinxes were found along the road in the last section of the 'Avenue of Sphinxes', a 2.7-km alley that connects the temples of Luxor and Karnak from north to south on the east bank of the Nile River, reports Discovery News.

Inscribed with the name Nectanebo I, the 30th Dynasty King (380-362 B.C.), most sphinxes were missing their heads.

Zahi Hawass, chief of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said that the discovery was made during an excavation work aimed at restoring the Avenue.

Mentioned in several ancient texts, the Avenue, lined with around 1,350 sphinxes, was used for religious ceremonies and processions.

"The King used this road for religious processions. Along this way the sacred boat of Amun, king of the gods, travelled on the god's annual trip to visit his wife, Mut, at Luxor temple," said Hawass.

According to Mansour Boraik, supervisor of Luxor Antiquities, this was the first time a new road that runs from east to west, toward the Nile, has been discovered.

The entire 'Avenue of Sphinxes' will be restored by March 2011. (ANI)