Colossi of Memnon in Luxor – Full Guide & Facts
Most travelers pass by the Colossi of Memnon without realizing they are standing before two of the most mysterious monuments in ancient Egypt — statues that once “sang,” survived powerful earthquakes, and guarded a temple larger than Karnak itself.
These 3,400-year-old giants are more than broken stone figures; they are the last surviving witnesses to the glory, rituals, and ambition of Amenhotep III’s lost mortuary temple.
In this guide, you’ll uncover the real stories behind these giants — how they were built, why one of them once “sang” at sunrise, what remains of the lost temple they guarded, and how to visit them today.
Key Takeaways – The Colossi of Memnon
- ✅ The Colossi of Memnon are two magnificent twin statues of King Amenhotep III, located on the West Bank of Luxor.
- ✅ Each statue is 18 meters tall and carved from single blocks of Quartz sandstone quarried near Cairo.
- ✅ They stood at the entrance of Amenhotep III’s now-damaged Mortuary Temple, serving as guardians.
- ✅ The name “Memnon” is Roman, related to the Greek legend of the northern statue producing a “singing” sound at dawn after an earthquake damaged it in 27 BC.
- ✅ The Colossi symbolise Amenhotep III’s divine authority and the enduring nature of his legacy.
What are the Colossi of Memnon?
They are massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, and two smaller statues carved at his feet; these small statues represent his wife, Tiye, and his mother, Mutemwiy, who stand graciously on the banks of the magnificent Luxor Horizons.
Towering over the West Bank of Luxor, these awe-inspiring twin statues of King Amenhotep III have fascinated historians, archaeologists, and travellers for centuries. We explore their origins, the mysterious singing statue, and their enduring legacy as the silent guardians of a forgotten temple in our Luxor 4-day trip.
Who was King Amenhotep III?
King Amenhotep III was the ninth Pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. He was considered among the most important kings of the New Kingdom of Egypt. According to various authors, Pharaoh ruled Egypt at the age of 12 from 1386 to 1349 BC, after the death of his father, King Thutmose IV, and remained in power for 38 years.
King Amenhotep III’s Family
- Father and Mother: He was the son of Tuthmosis IV and Mutemwiya.
- Grandfather: His mother was the daughter of the king of Mittani.
- Wife: he was married to Queen Tiye, his main royal wife.
- Children: King Akhenaten and many others, such as Henuttaneb and Isis.
- Grandchildren: he was the grandfather of the great young King Tutankhamun.
How the Colossi of Memnon Got Their Name
Colossi of Memnon is a Roman name that means “steadfast” or “resolute.” He was the son of Eos, recognised as the goddess of dawn. Memnon was associated with the Colossi many years after their construction due to the cry at dawn from the northern statue, also known as the “Vocal Memnon or Singing Statues.” Memnon finally became identified as the “Ruler of the West.”
Where are the Colossi of Memnon located?
The Colossi of Memnon are on the West Bank of Luxor, Egypt. This location holds great historical and archaeological significance, as it was a prominent site for religious and funerary activities during ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom.
Colossi of Memnon Structure & Dimensions
The two statues, each measuring 18 meters tall, overlook the entrance to King Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple. named after the Colossi of Memnon, owing to a phenomenon observed on one of the statues after earthquake damage.
They are carved from single blocks of Quartz sandstone quarried at El-Gabal Al-Ahmar, found near Cairo City. They are two-seated statues on an ornamented throne, showing the king wearing the royal Nemes headdress, protected by the divine cobra. While the hands of the king are placed on his knees, he directs his face eastward toward the Nile River.
When were the Colossi of Memnon built?
King Amenhotep III reigned during the 18th Dynasty from 1386 to 1349. During his rule, Egypt experienced a time of countless prosperity and artistic progress.
Many of these royal monuments were constructed during Amenhotep III’s 39-year reign, including the Colossi of Memnon, Egypt, whose construction was completed by 1350 BC.
How the Colossi of Memnon Were Built
In the grand halls of the king’s palace in Thebes, Pharaoh Amenhotep III sat with his architects and advisors and discussed his plan to build a mortuary temple that would surpass anything ever built before. Part of his vision was to place two enormous statues at the entrance. They weren’t just decorations; he wanted them to make anyone approaching the temple feel the king’s presence before they even reached the doors.
Where the stone came from
The quartzite sandstone used to sculpt the Colossi did not come from Luxor. Instead, it was quarried from Gebel el Ahmar near modern-day Cairo — over 675 km away. This means each block, weighing hundreds of tons, had to be transported all the way to Thebes, likely by dragging them on massive sledges and moving them via the Nile during the flood season.
How these giant statues were carved
Skilled sculptors carved the blocks using copper and stone tools, smoothing the surfaces with sandstone rubbers. The statues were carved in sections and then assembled on-site. The level of symmetry in the faces, crowns, and hands shows the advanced artistic skill of Amenhotep III’s craftsmen.
Transporting and raising the statues
Transporting statues that originally weighed over 720 tons each required an enormous workforce. Scholars believe the Egyptians used lubrication, wooden rollers, and teams of hundreds of workers to pull the blocks. Once at the site, ramps made of mudbrick and limestone chips were built to raise the statues into position at the entrance of the mortuary temple.
Their placement was no coincidence — they were aligned perfectly with the sunrise, symbolizing rebirth and the king’s eternal connection with the sun god.
Facts About the Colossi of Memnon
- The Colossi of Memnon served as guardians of Amenhotep III’s Temple.
- The Colossi of Memnon were created to keep evil at a distance from Pharaoh’s temple.
- Despite the earthquake damage, the Colossus of Memnon remained standing for thousands of years.
- The song that comes from the statues is actually caused by accumulated damage over the years; it isn’t noticeable because of changes in the surroundings.
Colossi of Memnon sound
The Colossi of Memnon are among the best attractions in Luxor and have been the subject of many legends and myths. One of these legends says the statues sang when the sun rose.
Diodorus Siculus, the Greek historian, was the first to record this legend in the second century AD. He linked the statues to the African King Memnon. The Greek and Roman visitors considered it a sign of good luck to hear the statues’ song, believing it was the sound of the king welcoming his mother, Eos, the goddess of dawn.
Earthquake Damage to the Colossi of Memnon
The sounds coming from the Colossi of Memnon were actually a natural phenomenon. In 27 BC, an earthquake caused significant damage to the northern statue, breaking its lower half and creating fractures throughout its structure.
The massive size of the statues, combined with early-morning temperature changes, likely caused the stone to warm and cool rapidly, producing vibrations that created the mysterious “singing” sound. Over time, the sound became less noticeable, possibly due to further damage or changes in the surrounding environment.
The Pharaohs’ Legacy in the New Kingdom Era
Here are some temples and statues that were built in the same era. This time was the peak of power, wealth, and architectural splendour in ancient Egypt, and each one of them is special in its own way:
| Criterion | Colossi of Memnon | Ramesses II Statues | Abu Simbel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founding Pharaoh | Amenhotep III | Ramesses II | Ramesses II |
| Purpose | Placed to mark the king’s presence and stand watch at the entrance of the temple. | Created to ensure Ramesses II’s name and legacy would remain prominent through time. | Built to emphasize the king’s authority and divine status in the Nubian region. |
| Technique / Material | Carved from massive blocks of quartzite sandstone. | Made either as free-standing sculptures or integrated into temple façades. | Entirely hewn into the cliff, forming a complete rock-cut complex. |
Why You Should Visit the Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are more than just two statues standing; they’re a representation of power and ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. If that isn’t enough, here are a few reasons why the Colossi of Memnon are worth visiting:
- The statues have a great mystery, which is “singing”; whenever the sun hits them, they start to sing
- They’re a great introduction to Luxor’s many landmarks, making them ideal for first-time visitors.
- They are the oldest surviving monuments in this area, despite earthquakes and the passage of time.
- They’re massive! Each Colossus is over 18 meters tall and weighs around 700 tons, giving you a glimpse of the scale of the original temple.
- They’re a popular spot for bird watching. Thousands of birds can be found in and around the Colossi.
- They offer a great photo opportunity. The sunrise there looks amazing. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, the Colossi make for a great subject.
Best Things to Do When Visiting Colossi of Memnon
- Visit the nearby temple of Amenhotep III.
- Visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
- Enjoy an air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings and Queens.
- Visit the Karnak Temple and see the Great Hypostyle Hall.
- Attend the sound and light show
- Visit the Luxor Temple
Visitor Guide: Visiting the Colossi of Memnon
Visiting the Colossi of Memnon is an amazing adventure. To make the most of your trip, organize beforehand with practical tips on transportation, dress, hydration, and safety. These guidelines ensure a great visit while admiring and preserving one of the world’s most iconic monuments.
Colossi of Memnon opening hours:
The opening hours are 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. So make sure to arrive early to enjoy your visit before the heat gets to you. Arriving early also lets you take great photos thanks to the good lighting.
Colossi of Memnon Ticket Price
The temple is completely free to visit; you don’t need to book a ticket in advance, so that’s one more thing off your plate!
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is from October to April, when temperatures are more pleasant, and skies are clear.
How to get there
There’s a lot of transportation in Luxor that can take you there:
You can take a taxi, it’s very flexible, but you will have to bargain to get the right price. It will take about 15- 20 minutes if you ride it from the East Bank. You can take a public ferry across the Nile; it’s an easy local way and it’s really cheap.
The easiest option is to join a tour that includes the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor, Egypt, as a stop, allowing you to see other famous places like the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple. Our Luxor Tours are tailored to cover all these amazing places!
Luxor Pass: Save money while exploring Luxor
If you’re planning to combine the Colossi of Memnon with other major sites on the West Bank—such as the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Ramesseum—consider getting the Luxor Pass. It gives you access to almost all major archaeological sites in Luxor for several days and can save you a lot if you’re visiting multiple attractions.
Conclusion
The Colossi of Memnon stand as powerful, enduring monuments to the reign and power of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. While the magnificent mortuary temple they once guarded has long faded, these twin statues remain the iconic guardians of Luxor’s West Bank. They embody the sophisticated artistry and engineering of the New Kingdom, as well as the captivating legends of ancient Egypt.
To witness these colossal figures and the history of the monuments surrounding them, explore our specialised Luxor Tours.
FAQs – The Colossi of Memnon
Why are they called the Colossi of Memnon?
The name comes from the Greeks and Romans, who mistakenly associated the northern statue with the mythical hero Memnon after it began emitting a sound at dawn.
What Pharaoh do the statues represent?
The colossal twin statues represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty, seated on his throne.
How tall are the Colossi of Memnon?
Each statue stands approximately 18 meters (60 feet) tall and is carved from massive blocks of quartzite sandstone.
Where are the Colossi of Memnon located today??
The Colossi of Memnon are situated on the West Bank of Luxor, Egypt.
Did the statues really “sing”?
Yes, the northern statue produced a sound after an earthquake damaged it. This phenomenon was likely caused by temperature changes (dew evaporation and expansion) in the fractured rock at sunrise.
What was the original purpose of the Colossi?
They served as monumental guardians at the entrance of Amenhotep III’s vast mortuary temple, which has since been largely destroyed.
