Sphinx-like statue uncovered in Egypt

The figures date back to between AD41 and AD54

All these years later – archeologists are continuing to uncover fascinating remains from ancient Egypt.

A sphinx-like statute and a shrine have been discovered in an ancient temple in the nation’s south.

The artefacts were unearthed in the temple of Dendera, 450 kilometres south of Cairo.

Researchers believe the statue’s smiling features may belong to the Roman emperor Claudius, who extended Rome’s rule into north Africa between AD41 and AD54.

They also found a Roman-era stone slab with demotic and hieroglyphic inscriptions.

The limestone shrine has a two-layer platform and a mud-brick basin.

Egypt’s antiquities ministry says scientists will continue to conduct studies on the markings on the stone slab, in the hope it will reveal more information about the statue’s identity and the area’s history.