Owing to their massive size and pre-technological precision, the Egyptian pyramids have long captured the fancy of subsequent generations of humankind. And among them, the strange half-human, half-lion image of the Great Sphinx has inspired countless
fantastic theories about its origins. The condensed documentary title Riddles of the Sphinx digs into that mystery a bit, for armchair historians who perhaps never matriculated beyond high school.

For more than 4,500 years, the Great Sphinx has cast its enigmatic gaze over Egypt’s Giza plateau. The biggest and oldest statue in a land of colossal ancient monuments, its scale is staggering: the mighty head towers as tall as the White House while its body is nearly the length of a football field. So how was it built, and who or what does it actually represent? Surprisingly, scribes of the period when it was constructed (during Egypt’s Old Kingdom) are relatively silent. Adding to the mystery, archaeologists found that its creators abruptly discarded their tools, and abandoned the structure when it was nearly complete.

Searching for clues, NOVA’s expert team of archaeologists carries out eye-opening experiments that reveal some of the exacting techniques and incredible labor that was invested in the carving of this gigantic sculpture. The team also unearths new discoveries about the people who built the Sphinx, and perhaps why they created such a haunting and stupendous image. Riddles of the Sphinx is basically one part scientific inquiry for every two parts speculative tease, but the somewhat saccharine blend is such that it doesn’t irritate too much, as long as one can happily indulge their own imagination.

Housed in a regular plastic Amaray case, Riddles of the Sphinx comes to DVD presented in 1.76:1 anamorphic widescreen, with an English language stereo audio track that more than adequately meets the meager demands of its aural construction. There are no notable bonus features, unless chapter stops get you all hot and bothered. To purchase the DVD, phone (800) PLAY-PBS, or simply click here. C+ (Movie) D (Disc)