Colossi of Memnon — Attraction in New Al Qarnh City

West of Luxor on the way to the Valley of the Kings there is an extremely important archaeological site of Pharaoh Amenhotep III with two massive stone statues. These two giant fascinating statues are called The Colossi of Memnon (Arabic: el-Colossat or es-Salamat). They are two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which stand in front of the ruined Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, the largest temple in the Theban Necropolis. They have stood since 1350 BC, and were well known to ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as early modern travelers and Egyptologists. The statues contain 107 Roman-era inscriptions in Greek and Latin, dated to between AD 20 and 250, many of these inscriptions on the northernmost statue make reference to the Greek mythological king Memnon, whom the statue was then – erroneously – thought to represent. In Greek mythology, Memnon was a king of Aethiopia and son of Tithonus and Eos. As a warrior he was considered to be almost Achilles' equal in skill. During the Trojan War, he brought an army to Troy's defense and killed Antilochus, Nestor's son, during a fierce battle. Nestor challenged Memnon to a fight, but Memnon refused, being there was little honor in killing the aged man. Nestor then pleaded with Achilles to avenge his son's death. Despite warnings that soon after Memnon fell so too would Achilles, the two men fought. Memnon drew blood from Achilles, but Achilles drove his spear through Memnon's chest, sending the Aethiopian army running. The death of Memnon echoes that of Hector, another defender of Troy whom Achilles also killed out of revenge for a fallen comrade, Patroclus. The twin statues Colossi of Memnon depict Amenhotep III (fl. 14th century BC) in a seated position, his hands resting on his knees and his gaze facing eastwards (actually ESE in modern bearings) towards the river. Two shorter figures are carved into the front throne alongside his legs, these are his wife Tiye and mother Mutemwiya. The side panels depict the Nile god Hapi. The statues are made from blocks of quartzite sandstone which was quarried at el-Gabal el-Ahmar (near modern-day Cairo) and transported 675 km overland to Thebes (Luxor). The stones are believed to be too heavy to have been transported upstream on the Nile. The blocks used by later Roman engineers to reconstruct the northern colossus may have come from Edfu (north of Aswan). Both statues are quite damaged, with the features above the waist virtually unrecognizable. The southern statue comprises a single piece of stone, but the northern figure has a large extensive crack in the lower half and above the waist consists of 5 tiers of stone. The original function of the Colossi was to stand guard at the entrance to Amenhotep's memorial temple (or mortuary temple), a massive construct built during the pharaoh's lifetime, where he was worshipped as a god-on-earth both before and after his departure from this world. In its day, this temple complex was the largest and most opulent in...

Constructed around 1350 BCE, the Colossi of Memnon are two massive statues that once stood at the entrance of Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s grand mortuary temple on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt. Carved from single blocks of quartzite sandstone, each statue measures approximately 18 meters in height and weighs around 720 tons. They depict Amenhotep III seated, gazing eastward toward the Nile and the rising sun. The statues originally guarded one of the largest and most opulent temples of the time, though much of the complex was later reduced to ruins.

A significant event in the history of the site occurred in 27 BCE when an earthquake caused substantial damage to the statues and the temple. The northern statue, in particular, developed cracks that, under certain conditions, allowed air to pass through, producing a melodic sound at dawn. This phenomenon inspired an enduring legend, as ancient travelers associated the sound with the Greek hero Memnon, believing it to be the mourning cry of his mother, the goddess Eos. The Romans, captivated by the mystery, repaired the statue in the 2nd century CE, which silenced the sound and ended the legend.

Despite the temple's destruction, the Colossi of Memnon have remained standing for over three millennia, captivating visitors and scholars alike. The statues, though weathered by time, still convey the majesty of ancient Egyptian artistry and craftsmanship. The intricate carvings of the pharaoh’s facial features, regal attire, and the symbolic representations of his divine authority testify to the skill of the sculptors. Smaller figures beside the colossal statues, believed to depict Queen Tiye and Mutemwiya, the wife and mother of Amenhotep III, add a humanizing element to the imposing monuments.

The site continues to draw admiration, particularly at sunrise and sunset, when the golden light accentuates the statues' details and casts striking shadows. With the Theban hills rising behind them and the Nile shimmering in the distance, the setting enhances the sense of timelessness. The remnants of Amenhotep III’s once-magnificent mortuary temple, though largely buried under the sands, hint at the former scale and grandeur of the complex. Nearby, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut offer further insight into ancient Egypt’s rich history.

The Colossi of Memnon stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. These silent sentinels connect the past with the present, allowing visitors to experience a profound sense of wonder in the presence of...

The Colossi of Memnon are a pair of massive stone statues located on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. They are among the most famous and iconic ancient Egyptian landmarks in the area.

Key features and information about the Colossi of Memnon:

Location: The Colossi of Memnon are situated on the west bank of the Nile River, just outside the modern city of Luxor (ancient Thebes), on the road leading to the Valley of the Kings.

Historical Significance: The statues were built during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled during the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, around 1350 BCE. They were originally part of a larger mortuary temple dedicated to the pharaoh.

Size and Materials: Each of the Colossi of Memnon stands about 18 meters (60 feet) tall and is carved from a single block of quartzite sandstone. They depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III seated on his throne, with his hands resting on his knees.

Name "Memnon": The statues earned the name "Colossi of Memnon" in antiquity. The name "Memnon" refers to a legendary Ethiopian king from Greek mythology. According to the ancient Greeks, the statues made "musical sounds" when the sun's rays touched them at dawn, which they believed to be the "voice of Memnon."

Earthquake Damage: In 27 BCE, an earthquake damaged the northern statue, causing it to emit a sound when the wind blew through the cracks. The "singing" sound gave rise to the belief that the statues were making sounds due to the mythical "voice of Memnon." The sound phenomenon ceased after Roman Emperor Septimius Severus repaired the statues.

Open to Visitors: The Colossi of Memnon are open to tourists, and they remain a popular stop for visitors exploring the ancient sites of Luxor. Travelers can approach the statues, take photographs, and learn about their historical significance through guided tours or information plaques.

Nearby Attractions: The Colossi of Memnon are located near the entrance to the Valley of the Kings, where many ancient Egyptian pharaohs were buried in elaborate tombs. Visitors often combine a visit to the Colossi with tours of other nearby archaeological sites, such as the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Queens.

The Colossi of Memnon stand as silent sentinels of ancient Egyptian history, bearing witness to the grandeur and architectural achievements of the New Kingdom period. Their imposing presence and historical significance make them a must-see attraction for those interested in ancient Egyptian...