Colossi of Memnon

Description

The Colossi of Memnon: The Giant Guardians of the West Bank

Stand in the shadow of giants with AMOS Tours at the Colossi of Memnon. These two massive stone statues, each towering 18 meters high, are all that remain of the once-grand mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which was even larger than the Temple of Karnak in its prime.

Highlights of Your Visit to the Colossi:

• The Silent Sentinels: Gaze up at the two monolithic statues carved from single blocks of quartzite, depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep III seated on his throne, guarding the entrance to his eternal temple.

• The Legend of the “Singing Statue”: Hear the fascinating story of how a 27 BC earthquake caused one of the statues to “sing” at dawn, a phenomenon that drew ancient Roman emperors and travelers from across the world.

• Intricate Side Carvings: Look closely at the sides of the thrones to see the Hapi deities symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt through the Nile.

• The Ongoing Excavations: Witness history in the making as archeologists continue to uncover more statues and treasures from the surrounding temple site, revealing the true scale of Amenhotep III’s legacy.

• The Perfect Photo Stop: Capture the iconic “Luxor Landmark” shot with the dramatic Theban mountains in the background, a must-have for every traveler’s gallery.