Sphinx of Agost facts for kids
The Sphinx of Agost is an ancient stone statue found in Spain. It was made by the Iberians, an old civilization that lived in Spain, but it also shows ideas from ancient Greece. This special statue was carved from limestone, a type of rock. It was created a very long time ago, around 500s BC.
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What is the Sphinx of Agost?
The Sphinx of Agost is a famous sculpture. It is about 82 centimeters (32 inches) tall. The statue shows a sphinx, which is a mythical creature. This sphinx has the head of a woman. It has the body of a lion with wings. Its tail looks like a snake.
Where Was It Found?
This ancient statue was discovered in 1893. It was found near a place called Agost, in the region of Alicante, Spain. It was found in a reservoir, which is a place where water is stored. When it was found, the statue was quite damaged.
What Was Its Purpose?
Experts believe the Sphinx of Agost had a special meaning. It might have been placed in an Iberian tomb. A tomb is a place where people were buried after they died. The sphinx may have been there to help guide the soul of the person who died to the afterlife. The afterlife is a belief about where spirits go after death.
Where Can You See It Today?
Today, you can see the Sphinx of Agost in a museum. It is on display at the National Archaeological Museum (Madrid) in Madrid, Spain. Many people visit the museum to see this amazing piece of ancient art.
