Colossi of Memnon, Luxor

Colossi of Memnon, Luxor (must see)

The Colossi of Memnon are two giant stone statues located in the Necropolis of Thebes, near the city of Luxor. The immense statues have been dated to around 1350 B.C and are likenesses of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. The 18 meter twin sculptures show the pharaoh seated with his hands in his lap looking out over the Nile River. Carved beside his legs are two smaller images of his mother, Mutemwiya and his wife, Tiye. At the side of the colossi are carved impressions of the Nile god, Hapy. Originally the statues lay at the entrance to Amenhotep鈥檚 mortuary temple around which a hugely popular cult worshipped the pharaoh as a living god. Unfortunately, little remains of the opulent temple complex due to flooding of the Nile undermining the foundations and inundating the constructions over the millennia.

The colossi themselves have taken a beating over time, but they are still very impressive constructions. Made from quartzite sandstone, it is thought that the stone was quarried 675 km away at el-Gabal el-Ahmar and transported by land as the stone would have been too heavy to be sent down the river. The Greek geographer Strabo wrote in the first century A.D about an earthquake damaging the northern colossus and that following this event, the statue began to sing at dawn. Hearing the statue singing, most likely caused evaporation of dew, is said to be lucky and bring oracular powers. This feature attracted many Roman emperors to visit the colossi.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Luxor. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Colossi of Memnon
Sight Location: Luxor, Egypt (See walking tours in Luxor)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Luxor Archaeology Tour Part 1

Walking Tours in Luxor, Egypt

Create Your Own Walk in Luxor

Creating your own self-guided walk in Luxor is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Luxor Archaeology Tour Part 1

The Theban necropolis area - located in Upper Egypt, across the River Nile from the modern city of Luxor - is considered to be one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. You will be amazed by the many splendid temples, tombs and other historic attractions in this area, which is now known as Luxor's West Bank. The ruins of the Workers Village, the Colossi of Memnon, and... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.5 Km or 4 Miles

Luxor Archaeology Tour Part 2

The West Bank area of Luxor - located across the River Nile from the modern city itself - is a true archaeological paradise full of must-see sights for any visitor. There are a number of ancient Egyptian pharaoh tombs, necropolises and temples here, dating from the time of the ancient city of Thebes. Take our walking tour to see all the best sights in the area.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Luxor East Bank Walking Tour

The East Bank area is located in the heart of Luxor city. It has plenty of top sights including wonderful working temples and museums, such as the Luxor Temple, the Karnak Temple Complex, the Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum. Take our tour to experience the beauty of Luxor鈥檚 East Bank district.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles

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