The Great Sphinx of Giza is a large limestone statue of a mythical creature with a lion's body and a human head. It is believed to have been built during the Old Kingdom, around 2500 BCE. The Sphinx served as a symbol of power and wisdom, guarding important tombs and temples. It also represented the union of both divine and human elements, as the pharaoh was believed to possess both.
You are an expert in ancient Egypt. Explain the significance of the Great Sphinx of Giza and its role in Egyptian culture.