Fact check: Is the Sphinx 5000 years old, or 14000 years old?

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

The age of the Sphinx remains a subject of scientific debate, with the mainstream archaeological consensus dating it to around 2500 BCE (approximately 4,500 years old). However, significant geological evidence presented by Robert Schoch suggests it could be 7,000-9,000 years old, while even more radical theories propose ages up to 800,000 years.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

• The original question omits that there are more than just two possible ages being debated
• Geological evidence shows distinct water erosion patterns suggesting the monument was exposed to heavy rainfall, which would have been impossible in Egypt's current desert climate
• Traditional Egyptologists like Mark Lehner and Zahi Hawass strongly oppose older dating theories, arguing there's no evidence of a civilization capable of such construction before 2500 BCE
• Alternative explanations for the erosion patterns include salt crystallization and wind erosion
• The limestone quality of the monument itself may explain some of the unusual weathering patterns

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

The question presents a false dichotomy by suggesting only two possible ages (5,000 or 14,000 years), when the debate is far more complex. This oversimplification benefits both:

• Traditional archaeologists who want to maintain the established timeline of Egyptian civilization
• Alternative theorists who promote more sensational age estimates for media attention and book sales

The truth likely lies somewhere in between these extremes, with geological evidence suggesting an age older than traditional estimates but younger than some alternative theories propose.