The Great Sphinx of Giza（吉萨狮身人面像）
Most scientists agree the Great Sphinx of Giza was built around 2，500 B. C. But John Anthony West says that it's much older. If he's right，"Everything anybody has learned about ancient civilizations（文明）would have to be completelyrevised， "he told a magazine.
West，a writer and film-maker，first got interested in ancient history after studying the work of a French researcher. The researcher said Egyptian civilization could have developed as early as 30，000 years ago，rather than 4，500 years ago，as most experts believed.
West joined a scientist to do research together. Their research suggested that the Sphinx had beenworn downover the years by water，rather than by sand and wind.
Wait a minute？Water？How could that be？The Sphinx is in the Sahara Desert, which has been dry for 12, 000 years! However, before that time, it was very green. If it's true that water wore down the Sphinx, West thinks that it must have been built centuries earlier.
Whether West is right or wrong, it's important to challenge accepted ideas. That's how science progresses.
West gave some advice to kids: If you are interested in a topic, read everything you can on it. Do your own research. Don't always believe everything your teachers tell you. Ask lots of questions, and find your own answers.
