17 Unusual Urban Legends Behind the World’s Most Iconic Landmarks

9. The Secret Chamber Beneath the Sphinx

The Great Sphinx of Giza has stood as a silent guardian over the Egyptian desert for more than 4,500 years, but some believe its mysteries stretch back even further—perhaps to a time long before recorded history. While mainstream archaeologists argue that it was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, whispers persist that the Sphinx predates even the pyramids, guarding a hidden chamber that holds the secrets of an advanced lost civilization. One of the most enduring legends suggests that a vast underground network of tunnels and chambers exists beneath the Sphinx, possibly containing ancient scrolls or tablets detailing forbidden knowledge—perhaps even evidence of Atlantis or a civilization that existed before the Egyptians. This theory gained traction in 1920, when a team of archaeologists claimed to have detected strange vibrations beneath the statue, suggesting the presence of hollow spaces. Their excavation, however, was abruptly halted, and to this day, no official reason has been given. Further fueling speculation, in 1991, a team of researchers using ground-penetrating radar reported anomalous cavities beneath the Sphinx’s paws, reinforcing the idea that something lies buried deep below. Yet, despite these findings, Egyptian authorities have refused to authorize further excavations, leading some to suspect that they are hiding something from the world.