Long term stability of the underground cavern for the pharaoh and the deterioration of the great Sphinx

Through the archaelogical investigation in the underground tomb for Amenophis III at Luxor, the severe damage of the ancient paintings and the instability of the underground structure have been found. The authors investigated the precise dimension, joint distribution, and the failure mechanism of the chambers. From the observations at Giza, Saqqara, Luxor, and Aswan, the relation between ancient rock works and fissure distributions has been clarified. The deterioration of the Great Sphinx is being accelerated by recrystallization of salt, slaking near limestone surface, and wind erosion. The authors propose a monitoring plan for objective restoration work.