Colossi of Memnon in Luxor – Full Guide & Facts
Many travelers pass by the majestic Colossi of Memnon without fully appreciating the profound historical secrets they hold. These colossal statues are, in fact, two of the most mysterious and resilient monuments in all of ancient Egypt—figures that once “sang” at dawn, survived powerful earthquakes, and stand as the last sentinels of a mortuary temple complex that was larger than the legendary Karnak Temple itself.
These 3,400-year-old giants, carved from monumental quartzite, are far more than broken stone figures; they are the last surviving witnesses to the incredible glory, powerful rituals, and unparalleled ambition of Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s lost funerary temple.
In this comprehensive guide, you will journey beyond the broken stone to uncover the real, fascinating stories behind these monumental figures: how they were engineered, why one of them gained fame for “singing” at sunrise, the true scope of the lost temple they guarded, and the best way to visit these icons of ancient Egypt 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?
The Colossi of Memnon are not merely two statues, but massive, awe-inspiring stone figures representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These twin giants, towering over the West Bank of Luxor, are eternally flanked by two smaller, intricately carved statues at their feet. These secondary figures represent two of the most influential women of the era: his Great Royal Wife, Queen Tiye, and his mother, Queen Mutemwiy. Standing graciously on the edge of the desert, they remain the last visible remnants of his enormous, vanished mortuary temple. These statues have captivated historians and travelers for centuries, and exploring their mysteries is a highlight often included in any comprehensive Luxor 4-day trip
Who was King Amenhotep III?
Pharaoh Amenhotep III was the ninth ruler of the illustrious Eighteenth Dynasty and is universally considered one of the most important and powerful kings of the Egyptian New Kingdom. Ascending to the throne at the young age of 12 after the death of his father, Thutmose IV, he reigned from approximately 1386 to 1349 BC. His long and prosperous tenure—spanning 38 years—marked a high point of Egyptian artistic and architectural ambition, making the monuments he commissioned, such as the Colossi, crucial landmarks in Luxor.
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
The name Colossi of Memnon is not Egyptian; it is a Roman name given many centuries after the statues’ construction, meaning “steadfast” or “resolute.” The association came about due to a mysterious acoustic phenomenon: the famous “cry at dawn” emanating from the northern statue. This statue became known to the Greeks and Romans as the Vocal Memnon or Singing Statue. Mythologically, Memnon was the heroic son of Eos, the Greek goddess of the dawn. The Romans linked the statue’s sunrise cry to Memnon greeting his mother, permanently cementing his name to the colossi. Fittingly, Memnon was later identified as the “Ruler of the West,” mirroring the statues’ geographical location in the land of the setting sun.
Where are the Colossi of Memnon located?
The Colossi of Memnon stand proudly on the West Bank of Luxor, Egypt. This location holds immense historical and archaeological significance, as it was the primary burial and funerary zone for the Pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom. The West Bank, facing the setting sun and the City of the Dead (Thebes), was a prominent site for religious and mortuary activities, emphasizing the statues’ original role as the entrance guardians to the massive, sacred mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
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.
