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Colossi of Memnon: Giant Statues of Ancient Egypt in Luxor
History Of The Colossi Of Memnon Luxor Egypt
The Colossi of Memnon in Luxor Egypt stand on the west bank of the Nile near modern Luxor. These are two gigantic stone statues constructed for Pharaoh Amenhotep III. The Colossi date back to the 18th dynasty which rules in 1350 BC.
These towering statues are said to have previously flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III mortuary temple.
This temple was one of the biggest temples in the Nile valley. Even though much of the temple has disappeared through erosion from river floods and the removal of its stone by successive rulers, the statues have survived through the years to mark the spot of the once great temple and as one of the oldest monuments in Egypt.
Architecture and Meaning of The Colossi of Memnon
The statues were created in the 18th Dynasty during the reign of Amenhotep III. Each of the colossal statues stands 18 meters tall and is crafted from blocks of quartzite sandstone imported from Quarries near Cairo. Each statue depicts a Pharaoh sitting on his throne, with his queen Tiye on one side and his mother Mutemwiya sitting by his feet. These two great statues, standing in front of Amenhotep’s mortuary temple, symbolised his divine power and greatness as the ruler of Egypt and as a representative on earth of the god Amun-Ra.
Legend of the "Singing" Colossi of Memnon
In antiquity the Colossi were known for a peculiar habit: they used to make a musical sound each morning. According to Greek and Roman visitors, it was the singing of Memnon. The famous hero of Greek legend was supposedly singing to his parents at the sight of the sunrise.
The statues were in fact damaged by an earthquake in 27 BCE.
Since then, every morning at dawn, the expansion and contraction of cracks in the stone produce a tone that the ancient people heard as singing. The singing colossi attracted visitors from the entire ancient world, including emperors and poets, thus making the colossi one of the first popular tourist sites in history.
Visit The Colossi Of Memnon Today
If you plan a trip to Luxor Egypt, you will want to make sure you add a visit to the Colossi of Memnon. These amazing statues are easily reached on the West Bank of the Nile, and are usually combined with trips to other attractions such as the Valley of the Kings. The Colossi are typically one of the first stop on a guided West Bank tour in Luxor.
For a completely immersive and more in-depth experience of some of the country’s premier historical monuments, arrange a private tour to Luxor with a personal guide. Traveling with an expert tour guide provides unique insight into the cultural context and historical significance of the monuments, statues and temples dispersed throughout the area. Many find it necessary to interact with these impressive giant figures in person to get the full feel of connecting with an ancient Egyptian experience when taking day tours and excursions in Luxor.
This is the kind of thing you simply can’t get from viewing on your own when looking to see these grand old buildings and gigantic statue-sized humans.
Luxor Day Tours and Excursions provide opportunities to engage in a truly fulfilling journey through the most celebrated locations in Luxor.
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