French corvette Sphinx (1829)

The Sphinx was a French corvette launched in 1829. She was a wooden-hulled ship of the line, designed for both exploration and military service. She is primarily known for her role in transporting the Luxor Obelisk from Egypt to France in 1831-1833.

The Sphinx was constructed in Toulon. Following her launch, she was assigned to the Levant squadron. Her most significant commission came when she was chosen to transport one of the two Luxor Obelisks, a gift from Muhammad Ali of Egypt to King Charles X of France.

The journey to transport the obelisk was a complex and challenging undertaking. The Sphinx had to navigate the Nile River, requiring specialized equipment and extensive manpower. The obelisk, weighing over 250 tons, was carefully loaded onto the ship. The voyage from Egypt to France took place between 1831 and 1833. The successful arrival of the Luxor Obelisk in Paris and its subsequent erection in the Place de la Concorde were considered a significant achievement for French engineering and naval prowess.

Beyond this notable mission, the Sphinx also served in various other capacities for the French Navy, including patrols and diplomatic missions. Details of her later service life are less widely documented than her involvement with the Luxor Obelisk. She represents an important example of 19th-century French naval shipbuilding and the use of warships for scientific and cultural endeavors, in addition to military purposes.