# Why do black people think Napoleon shot off the Sphinx's nose? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 8, 2004, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448 "2004-01-08T17:05:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/41 "2004-01-10T01:03:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pravnik \* > \*\*I’ve always heard Napolean’s troops shot off the Sphinx’s nose until this thread said otherwise, and I’m whiter’n a snowman’s ass. \*\* That’s _facinating_ **pravnik**! Tell me—what _other_ qualities do you have in common with a snowman’s kiester? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![kniz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@kniz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kniz)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/42 "2004-01-10T01:35:38Z")
If you would notice the nose of the Sphinx isn’t the only nose that is missing. Archeology has uncovered many figures, statues, etc. which have the same flaws. I have always heard that this is because Muslims consider the nose as important to one’s character and if the nose is damaged so is the person. In other words, it is a Muslim insult. As to the Sphinx it wasn’t one person, but passing Muslim visitors that each got in a pot shot, which eventually destroyed the nose. Many of the other statues had their noses slowly destroyed by constant swipes at that protrusion, while others may have taken only one shot to destroy. I had never heard the Napoleon story, just about the painting of the “Last Supper”. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/43 "2004-01-10T02:03:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by kniz \* > **As to the Sphinx it wasn’t one person, but passing Muslim visitors that each got in a pot shot, which eventually destroyed the nose.** Cite? ---
**Author:** ![ReuvenB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9fc348/32.png) [@ReuvenB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReuvenB)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/44 "2004-01-10T02:07:48Z")
Geez, I had this _in my school textbook_ on Ancient Egypt in 6th grade. I distinctly remember laughing about it. You mean it’s not true? Bummer. I believed it until now, and I’m also quite pale. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/45 "2004-01-10T02:44:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bosda Di’Chi of Tricor \* > \*\*That’s _facinating_ **pravnik**! > > Tell me—what _other_ qualities do you have in common with a snowman’s kiester? 🙂 \*\* I’m cold as ice and firmly packed, but turn up the heat and I just _melt!_😃 ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/46 "2004-01-10T02:58:31Z")
Waitaminnit… the Sphinx had a _beard_?!! ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/47 "2004-01-10T03:42:23Z")
> [@](#): > > There is one fact, however – part of the Sphinx’s beard was recovered from the sand during excavation and is now in the British Museum in London. [http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/EG/GreatSphinx.html](http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/EG/GreatSphinx.html) ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/48 "2004-01-10T04:10:38Z")
I was under the impression that the Sphinx was even older than the Egyptian Civilization which eventually grew around it. That the Sphinx was originally a huge lion carved from the natural limestone. It’s creators, an even older civilization, are not known. No Egyptian records claim to be responsible for it’s construction. It is supposedly a likeness of Khafre, but this could not be its original likeness since the Spinx is known to have existed AT LEAST 2,600 years before Khafre’s reign. From what I’ve read he (Khafre) had the Spinx re-sculpted to resemble him. It is not certain what the likeness was before. Probably an even earlier pharoah. Who did the same…and so on. The nose finally was simply weakened to the point that it gave away. The numerous times it was resculpted and erosion, plus whatever vandalism may or may not have occurred. The Sphinx has been repaired many times throughout history. Evidence that even the ancient Egyptians were repairing it over the millenia suggests to me that it probably broke off thousands of years ago and was replaced/repaired as well. Ultimately to the point of saying to hell with it. That damned lion has been a pain in the ass ever since we moved here. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![TeaElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@TeaElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaElle)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/49 "2004-01-10T04:23:35Z")
As, I believe, the first black person to check in here – I polled my family informally and found that none of us were aware of this particular myth, let alone believers in it. So, um, more anecdotal inanity to, um, do with what you will. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/50 "2004-01-10T13:09:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by t-keela \* > \*\*I was under the impression that the Sphinx was even older than the Egyptian Civilization which eventually grew around it. . . It is supposedly a likeness of Khafre, but this could not be its original likeness since the Spinx is known to have existed AT LEAST 2,600 years before Khafre’s reign. \*\* Since this thread is about separately fact from fiction, I will ask: cite? ---
**Author:** ![kniz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@kniz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kniz)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/51 "2004-01-10T18:47:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Walloon \* > \*\*Cite? \*\* The following quotes come from [**here.**](http://home.xnet.com/~warinner/sphinx.html) [sup] > [@](#): > > \*\*The Suspects > > Napoleon’s troops shot the nose off the Sphinx in 1798: > > ``` > * for fun > * because they were racist hooligans > * both of the above > > ``` > > British troops shot the nose off the Sphinx during: > > ``` > * World War I > * World War II > > ``` > > German troops shot the nose off the Sphinx during World War II. > > The Mamelukes shot the nose off the Sphinx. > > Arab conquerors knocked the nose off the Sphinx in 693. > > An Islamic cleric, Sa’im al-dahr, had the nose knocked off the Sphinx in 1378. \*\* > [@](#): > > \*\*The Verdicts > > NOT GUILTY: Napoleon’s troops. The Sphinx was well known to Europe and no contemporary account describes the Sphinx having a nose before Napoleon arrived and being in a noseless condition after his departure. Napoleon was not popular with Britain and they certainly would have made propaganda hay of it had it occurred during Napoleon’s stay. > > NOT GUILTY: British troops have an alibi. > > NOT GUILTY: German troops have an alibi. > > UNKNOWN: the Mamelukes > > UNKNOWN: Arab conquerors > > UNKNOWN: Islamic cleric, Sa’im al-dahr > > Both Arab conquerors and Sa’im al-dahr are described in contemporary accounts as doing violence to the Sphinx. In Sa’im al-dahr’s case, the nose is specifically mentioned. It is difficult to judge the state of the nose before and after their actions (assuming the accounts are true.) \*\* [/sup] Please note that my statement falls within the **unknown** category. ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2004, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/52 "2004-01-11T22:10:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Walloon \* > \*\*Since this thread is about separately fact from fiction, I will ask: cite? \*\* And what facts are those…the story about Napolean or the one about the Muslims or the one about black people believing the OP? We don’t have many facts regarding the Sphinx at all. Not even for sure who built it or when. Or even when it was last seen with a nose at all. The fact that the beard was found in fair condition amazed me. The nose probably laid on the ground for years and was destroyed AFTER it fell off. By the numerous means related by people over the years. That would explain why it wasn’t intact when the beard was found. As far as the Sphinx origins as a lion, the pre-Egyptians supposedly made the Lion during the “age of Leo” and is seated facing the Zodiac he represents. Hey, I don’t know anymore than y’all do. But it makes more sense to me than some damned half-man, half-lion winged creature. Unless you’re into that ET thing. :rolleyes: Try the link I attached before. I think it gives some of the info. I was relating to. If not, just make a quick search and you should get thousands of hits. Meanwhile, I’ll be back in a bit with something for ya. \*\*The OP was in relation to why some black folks believe Napolean shot the nose off of the Sphinx? ans. because the Sphinx supposedly had a “black” nose…correct.\*\* sorry 'bout the hijack **A/S** ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/53 "2004-01-12T00:24:06Z")
Here you go. **Walloon** [This cite](http://www.nmia.com/~sphinx/egyptian_sphinx.html) looks to be pretty good. Had to wade through a few pseudo-sites, folks are always messing up a good theory with the ET, Atlantis, etc. stuff. I don’t know the TRUTH but the science makes sense. I wasn’t trying to be smartass before. I just assume too much sometimes. Perhaps not everyone is familiar with this theory. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![HPL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3da27b/32.png) [@HPL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HPL)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/54 "2004-01-12T01:42:25Z")
It’s already been mentioned, but the fact that it’s a fairly old piece of artwork that’s been sitting in a desert for at least 4000 years with little maintence probably has a lot to do with it. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/55 "2004-01-12T03:30:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by t-keela \* > \*\*I was under the impression that the Sphinx was even older than the Egyptian Civilization which eventually grew around it. \*\* No one knows when the Sphinx was made. Most science types believe that it was built around 2500 BC, but there is a school of thought that it’s up to 10,000 years old. I’ve never seen the Sphinx up close, but as a professional geologist, the weathering patterns on the body scream out old. And the head doesn’t. My opinion is that the Sphinx is just an old lump of rock which a passing sculptor thought to himself “that weathered lump of rock looks a bit like a Sphinx. I’ll just carve the top lump to look like the current pharoh and I’ll be famous”. [This site](http://www.catchpenny.org/sphinx.html) has more on Sphinx erosion. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/56 "2004-01-12T03:54:28Z")
**t-keela** , that side you linked to has no provenance — no author named. This is an authoritative site? ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/57 "2004-01-12T08:47:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by owlstretchingtime \* > \*\* The Sphynx’s \* beard \* is in a store room in the British Museum. This is not a myth. I’ve personally seen it. \*\* The Sphynx is gay? Where is Weekly World News for these late breaking stories when you need 'em? ---
**Author:** ![owlstretchingtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/958977/32.png) [@owlstretchingtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlstretchingtime)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/58 "2004-01-12T09:25:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by t-keela \* > \*\*[http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/EG/GreatSphinx.html](http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/EG/GreatSphinx.html) \*\* Re the Sphynx’s Beard - I have seen it (it lives in a store room) and to be honest you do rather have to take their word for it - it could just be lump of rock, it certainly isn’t anything special to look at. (and before someone blames someone else for knocking it off - it fell off) ---
**Author:** ![Diceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/59 "2004-01-12T12:38:04Z")
It lives there, eh? Can I send it fan mail? Does it have to pay rent every month? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![owlstretchingtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/958977/32.png) [@owlstretchingtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlstretchingtime)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448/60 "2004-01-12T12:54:32Z")
you want beards? Bob’s yer uncle: [http://www.egyptarchive.co.uk/html/british\_museum\_16.html](http://www.egyptarchive.co.uk/html/british_museum_16.html) for all you beard needs. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-black-people-think-napoleon-shot-off-the-sphinxs-nose/223448.md?page=4)