Standing sentinel through the sands of time, the Colossi of Memnon greet the rising sun with silent tales of Egypt's majestic past.
Unveil the mysteries of the Colossi of Memnon, ancient Egypt’s iconic statues that have fascinated the world for centuries. These colossal guardians of Luxor hold secrets and legends that continue to intrigue and inspire.
What is the Colossi of Memnon?
Two magnificent twin statues, an image of King Amenhotep III and two other smaller statues carved by his feet (Representing His wife Tiye and his mother Mutemwiy), stand graciously on the horizon of the magnificent Luxor Horizons.
Majestic Colossi of Memnon
Who was King Amenhotep III?
King Amenhotep III is considered among the most Egypt important kings of the new kingdom. He was the ninth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. According to different authors, he ruled Egypt at the age of 12, from 1386 to 1349 BC., after the death of his father King Thutmose IV and remained in authority for 38 years.
Historical masterpiece by Pharaoh Amenhotep III
King Amenhotep III’s Family
He was the son of Tuthmosis IV from his minor wife Mutemwiya, who was the daughter of the king of Mittani, the husband of Queen Tiye, the father of King Akhenaten, and the grandfather of the great young king Tutankhamun.
The Origin of Colossi of Memnon’s Name
The Colossi of Memnon is known for its Roman name. Memnon’s name means steadfast or resolute, was the son of Eos, recognized as the goddess of dawn. Memnon was related to the Colossi many years after its structure due to the cry at the dawn of the northern statue, also well-known as the “Vocal Memnon or Singing Statues.” Memnon finally became identified as the “Ruler of the West.”
Where is the Colossi of Memnon located?
The Colossi of Memnon is situated in the West Bank of Luxor, Egypt. This location holds great historical and archaeological importance as it was a prominent site for religious and funerary activities during ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom period.
The Colossi of Memnon’s location
Features of the Colossi of Memnon
The two statues, each measuring 18 meters tall, outlooks the entrance of King Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple. They are notably named by the name of Colossi of Memnon owing to a phenomenon formed by one of the statues after an earthquake.
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 a throne ornamented, showing the king wearing the royal Nemes headdress, protected by the divine cobra. While the hands of the king are placed on his knees, and he directs his face to the eastwards toward the Nile River
When was 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 years of rule, including the Colossi of Memnon, whose building was completed by 1350 BC.
Historical timeline – When were the Colossi built?
The Colossi of Memnon: The Guardians of the Gate
The Colossi of Memnon served as guardians of Amenhotep III’s Temple. The Colossi of Memnon was created to keep evil at a distance away from Pharaoh’s temple. Despite the fact that the temple was damaged by a violent earthquake, the Colossi of Memnon remained standing for thousands of years.
The legend of The Singing Colossi of Memnon
Captivating sound phenomenon
The Colossi of Memnon are one of the best Luxor attractions and have been the object of many legends and myths. One of these legends says that the statues were singing when the sun rose. Diodorus Siculus, the Greek historian, was the first who recorded this legend in the second century AD. Attributing the statues to the African King Memnon, the Greek and Roman visitors considered it as a sign of good luck to hear the statue’s song, and they believed it to be the sound of the king welcoming his mother Eos, the goddess of dawn.
The Colossi of Memnon have experienced damage.
The reason behind the sounds coming from the Colossi of Memnon was actually a natural event. In 27 BC, there was an earthquake that caused some damage to the northern statue, breaking it partially from the lower half. The massive size of the statues, combined with temperature changes in the early morning, could have led to the stone warming and cooling, creating vibrations in the rock that resulted in sounds. The sound itself was reported differently by various people, and with time, it became less noticeable, likely due to further damage or changes in the surroundings.
The Colossi of Memnon damage
Is there ongoing restoration work on the Colossi of Memnon?
The restoration and preservation of ancient Egyptian monuments, including the Colossi of Memnon, have been ongoing for many years. The Egyptian authorities, along with international organizations and experts in archaeology and conservation, have been working to maintain and protect these historical treasures for future generations. Restorations aim to stabilize the statues, prevent further deterioration, and ensure that they continue to be accessible to visitors.
Preserving history through restoration
Are the Colossi of Memnon the only ancient colossal statues in Egypt?
No, the Colossi of Memnon are not the only ancient colossal statues in Egypt. Numerous colossal statues and monuments were built by various pharaohs throughout Egypt’s history. Perhaps the most famous example is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt and one of the largest and oldest statues in the world.
Iconic Great Sphinx of Giza
Reasons to explore the Colossi of Memnon
Majestic Colossi of Memnon
- They’re one of the most iconic sights in all of Egypt.
- They’re huge! Each Colossus is over 18 meters tall and weighs around 700 tons.
- They have a great history. They were built over 3,400 years ago and have been through a lot.
- They’re a popular spot for bird watching. Thousands of birds can be found in and around the Colossi.
- They offer a great photo chance. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, the Colossi makes for a great subject.
What is the best thing to do when visiting the Colossi of Memnon?
Activities at the 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
The Colossi of Memnon: The Tale of Building Ancient Egypt’s Towering Guardians
Building the Colossi of Memnon
Chapter 1: The Vision of Amenhotep III
In the grand halls of his opulent palace in Thebes, Pharaoh Amenhotep III sat with his advisors and architects, discussing his ambitious plans for a mortuary temple that would surpass any built before. The pharaoh envisioned a grand structure that would immortalize his legacy for eternity, a testament to his greatness and divine rule. To guard the entrance to this magnificent temple, he sought to commission colossal statues that would awe and inspire all who gazed upon them.
Chapter 2: Master Architects and Quarrying
To bring his vision to life, Amenhotep III called upon the finest architects and skilled artisans in all of Egypt. The chief architect, Menkheperre, devised an ingenious plan for creating the colossal statues. He identified a quarry near modern-day Cairo that yielded an abundance of flawless quartzite sandstone. This stone, with its reddish-brown hue, was perfect for the statues’ construction.
Chapter 3: Shaping the Giants
With the quarry secured, the monumental task of carving the colossal statues began. Teams of skilled stonecutters and artisans worked tirelessly, chiseling away at the massive blocks of stone, shaping them into the imposing forms of the pharaoh. The statues were to be representations of Amenhotep III seated on a throne, symbolizing his divine authority as a living god.
Chapter 4: Transporting the Enormous Blocks
Transporting the colossal blocks from the quarry to the sacred site in Thebes posed a daunting challenge. Menkheperre devised an elaborate system of sledges, ramps, and manpower to move the massive stones across the arid desert and along the banks of the Nile River. Thousands of workers labored under the scorching sun, guided by the architects’ precise calculations.
Chapter 5: Assembling the Colossi
Upon reaching the site of the mortuary temple, the colossal blocks were carefully positioned and assembled, with each piece meticulously fitted together. The statues rose higher and higher, and with each layer of stone added, the colossal guardians of the temple took shape before the awe-struck eyes of the people.
Chapter 6: Blessing the Colossi
Before the completion of the statues, Amenhotep III called upon the priests of Amun to perform a sacred ceremony to bless the Colossi of Memnon. The priests chanted incantations and offered prayers to imbue the statues with the divine essence of the pharaoh. It was believed that these rituals would ensure the statues’ spiritual connection to the pharaoh’s ka, providing protection and eternal life.
Chapter 7: The Unveiling
As the last stone was placed, the Colossi of Memnon stood tall, their imposing presence casting shadows across the sacred ground. The people of Thebes gathered to witness the unveiling of these majestic creations. Gasps of astonishment filled the air as they beheld the awe-inspiring sight of the colossal statues, a testament to the pharaoh’s might and the craftsmanship of their builders.
Chapter 8: The “Singing” of the Colossi
Years passed, and the Colossi of Memnon stood steadfast, guarding the entrance to the pharaoh’s mortuary temple. It was during this time that the northern statue gained fame for its mysterious “singing.” At the break of dawn, the rising sun’s rays would cause the stone to expand, producing a haunting sound that echoed across the desert. The phenomenon captured the imagination of travelers from distant lands, who considered it a divine tribute to the pharaoh.
Chapter 9: Earthquake and Restoration
However, fate had other plans for the Colossi of Memnon. In 27 BCE, an earthquake struck the region, causing severe damage to the northern statue. The “singing” ceased, and the Colossi lost some of their former glory. Nevertheless, the pharaoh’s legacy and the statues’ significance endured.
Chapter 10: The Legacy of the Colossi of Memnon
Despite the damage and the passage of millennia, the Colossi of Memnon continue to stand tall, bearing witness to the splendor of ancient Egypt. They have weathered the sands of time, preserving the memory of Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s reign and reflecting the enduring craftsmanship and engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians. Today, visitors from around the world come to marvel at the Colossi of Memnon, paying homage to the past and connecting with the timeless spirit of Egypt’s glorious history.
Conclusion
In the heart of Luxor, the Colossi of Memnon stand tall, echoing the greatness of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These colossal statues, carved from flawless quartzite, embody ancient Egyptian artistry and engineering prowess. The Colossi remain enduring symbols of Egypt’s rich history. Visitors from around the world continue to be captivated by their grandeur and the legacy of an era long past.
