Have you ever wanted to explore an ancient Egyptian archeological site? If so, the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor, Egypt, is well worth a visit.
This archeological site features two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. It is located on the west bank of the River Nile in Luxor and is part of the Theban Necropolis.
The Colossi of Memnon are made from blocks of quartzite sandstone and stand 18 meters (59 feet) high. The statues depict Amenhotep III wearing a Nemes headdress and are thought to have been carved around 1350 BC.
If you’re planning to visit the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor, be sure to read our guide first!
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Overview of the Colossi of Memnon
You stand before two giant statues, carved out of the living rock. The statues, known as the Colossi of Memnon, are a testament to Ancient Egyptian architecture and art. Erected over 3,400 years ago, the Colossi were built to commemorate Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled from 1391 to 1353 BC.
The statues are a sight to behold. Each one is over 65 feet high and weighs close to 1,000 tons. They are made of sandstone and limestone, and their features are finely carved. Even more impressive is the fact that they have withstood the elements for centuries.
The Colossi sit on either side of the entrance to Amenhotep’s mortuary temple. The temple was badly damaged by an earthquake in 27 BC, but the Colossi remained standing. They have been damaged over time by weathering and vandalism, but they still remain an imposing sight.
Colossi of Memnon Location
The Colossi of Memnon are located on the west bank of the Nile, in the Theban Necropolis. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. These two giants are an impressive sight.
The necropolis is full of ancient tombs and temples, including the famous Valley of the Kings. If you’re visiting Luxor, be sure to spend some time exploring this area—you won’t regret it!
Historical Background of the Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues located on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. These statues are over eighteen meters high and are carved out of a single piece of granite.
The Colossi of Memnon were originally built in 1370 BC to honor Pharaoh Amenhotep III. However, the statues became famous for a different reason. For over 3,000 years, it was believed that the statues emitted a strange noise that could be heard during the early morning hours.
This noise was initially thought to be the Pharaoh’s voice, praising the sun god Ra. However, after the earthquake of 27 BC, the statues stopped emitting any sound. In 1971, an American archeologist named James E. Quibell proved that the sound was actually created by vibrations from traffic and wind passing around the statues.
Who Built Colossi OF Memnon
Have you ever wondered who built the Colossi of Memnon? It’s a question that has been asked many times, as this iconic structure has stood in Luxor, Egypt for thousands of years.
The answer is a bit complicated, as the Colossi of Memnon were probably not built by just one person or group. Rather, it appears they were erected by an ancient Pharaoh around 1350 BC. The pharaoh in question is believed to be Amenhotep III, who commissioned the statues to stand at the entrance of his mortuary temple.
Amenhotep III was an incredibly powerful ruler and was thought to be a living god. He was also very wealthy, which allowed him to build many grand structures, including the Colossi of Memnon. So when you look upon the statues now, you can still feel the presence of this majestic ruler looming over them.
Why Colossi of Memnon Was Built
The Colossi of Memnon were once part of the funerary temple of Amenhotep III in Luxor, Egypt. Built around 1350 BC, it was built to honor the Pharaoh and commemorate his powerful reign during Ancient Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty.
The Colossi are composed of a pair of 73-foot tall statues sitting on top of a large stone platform that rests atop an imposing gateway. The statues and their surrounding platform face the Nile, giving them a commanding view over the river. The larger statue is believed to represent Amenhotep III himself, while the other is thought to represent his beloved wife Queen Tiye.
The Colossi were designed to act as monuments to celebrate Amenhotep III’s achievements and mark his passing into eternal life. As such, they are a testament to the power and majesty of Ancient Egypt’s kingship during this time and have become an iconic symbol for all visitors to Luxor today.
What to Expect When Visiting the Site
Before you visit the Colossi of Memnon, there are a few things you should know. First of all, the site is located right by the Nile River, so it can be quite hot and humid during summer months.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the statues are very large—around 18 meters tall—and can be quite intimidating when seen up close.
If you’re visiting outside of summer months, it’s important to dress warmly as temperatures can drop quite drastically at night. It’s also important to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water as the site is quite large and there is a lot to take in.
Something else that might surprise you is that there are actually two statues on either side of a temple called Amenhotep III. This temple was actually built around the same time as the statues and was designed to honor Amenhotep III’s ancestors. And if you look closely at the statues, you may be able to see some inscriptions that were added later by Greek travelers who visited the site.
Nearby Attractions to Check Out While Visiting
Once you’ve explored the Colossi of Memnon, you’ll want to be sure to check out the other attractions nearby. Here are a few that are worth visiting during your trip:
- The mortuary temple of Amenhotep III is just up the road from the Colossi and is one of the most important sites in Luxor. It has beautiful carvings and statuary, and provides a great insight into Ancient Egyptian art and culture.
- Luxor Temple is located on Luxor’s east bank just a few minutes away from the Colossi. This temple also has some amazing carvings and statues, as well as an exciting audio-visual show that tells the story of Ancient Egypt.
- The Valley of the Kings is worth a visit if you have time. Located on Luxor’s west bank, it’s home to some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs and queens, including Tutankhamun, Ramses II and Hatshepsut. Inside the tombs you’ll find amazing hieroglyphics, gold jewelry and other treasures of Ancient Egypt.
Tours To Luxor and Colossi of Memnon
If you’re looking for the perfect way to explore the Colossi of Memnon, there are plenty of great tour options available. From multi-day guided tours to private excursions, there’s something for everyone.
On a guided tour, you can join a group of like-minded travelers as you explore and learn about the Colossi of Memnon and other attractions in and around Luxor. For a more personalized experience, consider a private tour with a professional guide. With this option, you’ll have the flexibility to customize your itinerary according to your interests and time constraints.
| Tour Name | Duration |
|---|---|
| Egypt 12 Days : The Ultimate Itinerary | 12 Days – 11 Nights |
| 10 Days Cairo & Nile Cruise and Hurghada Trip | 10 Days – 9 Nights |
| Two Days Luxor Tour from Hurghada | 2 Days – 1 Night |
| 4 Days Cairo and Luxor Holiday Package | 4 Days – 3 Nights |
| 5 Days Cairo and Luxor Trip | 5 Days – 4 Nights |
When it comes time to book your trip, be sure to keep an eye out for any special discounts or promotions that might be available. Tour operators often offer attractive deals that can help make your visit even more enjoyable and affordable!
Conclusion
So, if you’re in Luxor and have some time to spare, make sure to visit the Colossi of Memnon. These two ancient statues are a sight to behold, and you can learn quite a bit about ancient Egyptian history by visiting them.