Naxion Sphinx

Museum of Delphi- Delphi

This is called the Naplion Sphinx. It depicts a sphinx perched on an ionic order column. It bares a striking resemblance to the sphinxes found in ancient Egypt. This is because the ancient Greeks had contact with the Egyptians. They became fascinated with their culture and especially their way of worshipping their gods. Ancient Greece and Old Kingdom Egypt are two of my favorite ancient civilizations to study. To learn that they actually had contact with each other was so fascinating. I definitely don't blame the Greeks for being so intrigued with the Egyptians! Further Egyptian influence can be seen in Greek statues, art, and architecture. The sphinx is also mentioned in mythology, such as in the Play Oedipus Rex. If this name sound familiar it is because the Freudian term "Oedipus complex" originates from this play. As a neuroscience major, I also have an interest in psychology so it was especially fascinating to see how history has its influence on other fields of study such as psychology.