Colossi of Memnon

Two giant statues of the 18th Dynasty of Egypt, Amenhotep III (1386-1353 BCE), are known as the Colossi of Memnon, or el-Salamat (also el-Colossat and el-Salamat). They lie west of Luxor, Egypt, overlooking the Nile River. The statues show the seated king on a throne with emblems of his mother, his wife and the god Hapi. Each figure weighs 720 tons and is 18 metres tall. They were carved from a single block of sandstone.

The massive Colossi of Memnon stand near ancient Thebes in Luxor, Egypt.

Colossi of Memnon: The Giant Statues of Ancient Egypt

Statue of the Colossi of Memnon: They were built to guard the mortuary complex of Amenhotep III, which was behind them. Floods and earthquakes destroyed the vast complex, as did an ancient practice of using the older monuments as material for new constructions. Now, all that remains are two monumental statues that stood at the gates.

The Greek hero Memnon, who perished at Troy, gave his name to these enormous seated statues of pharaohs. Achilles, the Greek champion, killed the Ethiopian king Memnon. He was fighting alongside the Trojans against the Greeks. Memnon was hailed as a Greek hero for his valour and prowess in battle. 

The Colossi of Memnon and Pharaoh Amenhotep III

The Colossi of Amenhotep III – Greek tourists who saw the magnificent statues associated them with the legend of Memnon, not Amenhotep III, and Manetho (3rd century BCE Egyptian historian) also suggested this link, stating that Memnon's father and Amenhotep III were one and the same person.

The Mystery of the Singing Colossus

Singing Statues of Egypt: The Greeks named the entire complex the Memnonium, after one of the statues started to make sounds that could be interpreted as oracles. The Colossi have been a popular tourist attraction since time immemorial. Today, you can see graffiti left on the base by thousands of people thousands of years ago.

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The massive Colossi of Memnon stand near ancient Thebes in Luxor, Egypt.

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Colossi of Memnon: Exploring Egypt’s Magnificent Giant Statues

History of the Colossi of Memnon

Memnon, Egypt: After the earthquake of 1200 BCE, the earth cracked in many places. Armenian/German archaeologist Hourig Sourouzian has conducted extensive restoration and excavations that have revealed the complex consisted of three pylons, each with colossal statues.

Colossi of Memnon: At its far end, the rectangular temple complex consisted of a peristyle court surrounded by columns. Four of the statues have been restored, and a further eight are awaiting restoration. The Luxor Museum has 200 statues or fragments of them.

Colossi of Memnon statues

Colossus of Memnon, Egypt—Although the modern Arabic name for the Temple of Memnon is Kom el-Hatan, the name it goes by, the Temple of Memnon, is more commonly known as the Temple of Memnon in Rome. Memnon, a hero in the Trojan War and a king of Ethiopia, led his armies across Africa to Asia Minor to defend the city. However, Achilles killed him. Memnon, which means 'the steadfast and resolute', was thought to be the son of Eos, the goddess of dawn. Because of the northern statue's cry at dawn (see below), Memnon was often associated with colossi built centuries before him. This statue became the Colossus of Memnon. He became the eponym for the whole. The Theban Necropolis, which in time came to be called 'the Memnonium' (after him as 'Ruler of the West' in the manner of Osiris as chief of the west).

William de Wiveleslie Abney, a 19th-century historian, noted that the Arabs called these statues "Shama" and "Tama" and gave them the name of Sanamat when they spoke of them together.

The Colossi of Memnon were built during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

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Colossi of Memnon: Discover the Ancient Giants of Luxor

Two giant stone statues overlooking the landscape of Luxor's West Bank.

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Colossi of Memnon: Ancient Egypt’s Legendary Stone Giants

The monumental Colossi of Memnon are among Luxor's most famous ancient landmarks.

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Colossi of Memnon: Exploring Egypt’s Magnificent Giant Statues

These enormous statues are remarkable surviving examples of ancient Egyptian sculpture.

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The Size and Weight of the Colossi of Memnon

"720 tonnes and 18 meters tall"

The statues preserve an important part of the history of ancient Thebes.

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The Damaged Colossus and Its Ancient History

The famous statues remain a major archaeological attraction on Luxor's West Bank.

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A closer look at the weathered details of the ancient monumental statues.

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Colossi of Memnon in Luxor, Egypt

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The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

The legendary statues continue to fascinate visitors interested in mysterious places in Egypt.

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Conclusion

The Colossi of Memnon in Egypt remain among the most fascinating monuments of ancient civilisations. Standing proudly in Luxor, the Colossi of Memnon offer a glimpse into the remarkable world of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. The Colossi of Memnon's history reveals how these enormous Colossi of Memnon statues once guarded a magnificent temple complex. The Amenhotep III Colossi are also renowned for the ancient legend surrounding the Singing Colossi of Memnon. These remarkable Colossi of Memnon facts make them important ancient Egyptian statues and an unforgettable destination for travellers. Today, they continue to attract visitors fascinated by Egypt's history, legends, and mysterious places in Egypt.

SOURCE → WIKIPEDIA / WORLDHISTORY / EGYMONUMENTS / Iisac.Uchicago / Nmec.Gov