The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, standing over 18 meters tall near Luxor. They once guarded his ancient mortuary temple and are famous for their legendary "singing" at sunrise in ancient times.
Post Introduction
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, standing over 18 meters tall near Luxor. They once guarded his ancient mortuary temple and are famous for their legendary "singing" at sunrise in ancient times.
Post Content
Standing tall on the western bank of the Nile near Luxor, the Colossi of Memnon are two monumental stone statues that have captivated travelers, historians, and archaeologists for centuries. These colossal twin figures, each soaring over 18 meters in height, represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III and once flanked the entrance to his grand mortuary temple—the largest temple complex in Theban history, now largely lost to time. Despite the temple's destruction by floods and reuse of its stone, the two statues have endured, weathered yet commanding, serving as silent witnesses to Egypt’s golden age.
For millennia, the Colossi have drawn fascination not only for their sheer size but also for the mysterious sounds that one of them reportedly emitted at dawn—an eerie singing attributed to supernatural forces or the spirit of Memnon, a legendary hero of the Trojan War. This phenomenon turned the statues into a pilgrimage site for ancient Greeks and Romans. Though the “singing” stopped after repairs in the Roman period, the mystique remains.
Today, the Colossi of Memnon are a must-see stop on any West Bank Luxor itinerary, anchoring the landscape with their ancient majesty and echoing the grandeur of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.
🔹Explore The Luxor Temple
The Colossi were constructed around 1350 BCE during the reign of Amenhotep III, one of ancient Egypt's most powerful and prosperous pharaohs. Carved from blocks of quartzite sandstone transported from quarries near Cairo, the statues depict the seated pharaoh with his hands resting on his knees, gazing east toward the rising sun and the Nile River.
Behind the king’s legs are smaller carvings of his mother Mutemwiya and his wife, Queen Tiye, both prominent women in Egyptian history. These elements highlight the statues' role not just as representations of divine kingship but also as political statements of dynastic power and legacy.
The mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, once among the largest ever built in Egypt, was designed to honor the pharaoh in both life and death. Located behind the statues, the temple complex sprawled over 35 hectares but was largely destroyed by the annual Nile floods, earthquakes, and stone looting over the centuries. What remains today are fragments, scattered blocks, and these two colossal sentinels.
Ongoing excavations have unearthed parts of the temple foundations, colossal statues, and sphinx-lined avenues, revealing its former splendor.
🔹Explore The Valley Of The Queens
Beginning around the 1st century BCE, visitors reported that the northern statue made a singing or whistling sound at sunrise. This phenomenon was likely caused by the heating and cooling of the stone, causing internal cracks to vibrate. But to the Greeks and Romans, the sound was a sign that the statue had been imbued with mystical energy.
They associated the statue with Memnon, a hero from Homer’s Iliad, son of Eos, the goddess of dawn. According to legend, the statue “spoke” each morning to greet his divine mother. Pilgrims would come from across the empire to hear the statue “sing” and receive oracles.
In 199 CE, Roman Emperor Septimius Severus ordered repairs to the damaged statue. After the repairs, the sounds ceased, marking the end of the legend. Ironically, while the restoration preserved the statue’s structure, it silenced the very mystery that made it famous.
Each statue weighs an estimated 720 tons and was carved from a single block of quartzite. They were transported over 600 kilometers from quarries in Gebel el-Ahmar near modern-day Cairo—an engineering marvel that underscores the advanced logistical capabilities of ancient Egyptians.
The statues display idealized features of the pharaoh, with a serene expression and regal posture. Although weathered by time, wind, and water, they still command awe and reverence.
The Colossi face east, symbolizing the cycle of rebirth and the connection between the sun god Ra and the pharaoh’s divine nature. Their placement at the entrance of the mortuary temple signifies their function as eternal guardians of the king’s soul, watching over the rising sun and ensuring protection in the afterlife.
The statues are located about 4 kilometers west of the Nile, opposite the city of Luxor, and are easily accessible by car, tour bus, or bicycle. Most visitors include the Colossi in day trips to other West Bank attractions such as the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and Medinet Habu.
There’s no entrance fee, making it a popular photo stop along the route. Sunrise and sunset visits are especially magical, casting golden hues on the statues and evoking the mystique of their ancient legacy.
Since the early 2000s, a German-Egyptian team has been excavating and reconstructing parts of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple behind the statues. New colossi, sphinxes, and sections of walls have been uncovered, offering deeper insight into the temple’s original scale and significance.
Who built the Colossi of Memnon?
They were built by order of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in the 14th century BCE as part of his massive mortuary temple complex.
Why are the Colossi called 'Memnon'?
The Greeks associated the statues with the mythical Ethiopian king Memnon, a hero of the Trojan War, due to the strange sounds one of the statues made at dawn.
Do the Colossi still 'sing'?
No. The statue stopped making noise after it was repaired in 199 CE during the Roman period.
Can I visit the site for free?
Yes. The Colossi of Memnon are located in an open area with no entrance fee, making them a convenient and accessible attraction.
Are the Colossi the only remains of the temple?
While the statues are the most visible remains, ongoing excavations are uncovering more parts of the original temple complex behind them.
What is the best time to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for photography and avoiding crowds. The lighting during sunrise and sunset brings out the best details in the stone.
