Colossi of Memnon

The country of Egypt is one of the most storied and revered in the world. Its history is a rich one and full of mystery, particularly the construction of its famous pyramids and the identities of its deified pharaohs. However, the pyramids aren’t the only “show” in town. There are other Egyptian sites that have a great deal of historical significance. The Colossi of Memnon is a prime example (Photo: Than217 at en.wikipedia). Consisting of two large statues, approximately 18 meters high (including the platforms they are sitting on), they are a popular tourist attraction and with good reason.  The appearance of the statues along with their back story (history) is quite fascinating.

The two statues which make up the Colossi of Memnon were originally placed at the entrance of Pharaoh Amenhotemp III’s mortuary temple.  At one time, this was a very opulent and impressive complex. Each of the statues were depictions of the Pharaoh. Unfortunately, the temple the statues were to guard, have since been destroyed by natural forces. A flood initially damaged it and then later the soft stone used to craft the temple began to break down and crumble. Fortunately, not all has been lost. The statues of the Colossi of Memnon are still standing though their royal crowns and faces have been damaged.

As mentioned above, the statues of the Colossi of Memnon are of the Pharaoh Amenhotemp III. Both are depictions of him in the seated position with his hands on his knees. He is staring towards the East, in the direction of the Nile River. Crafted with great detail, figures of his wife (Queen Tye) and his mother (Mutememuia) are carved into the bottom of the southern statue. Hapy, the Nile god (along with another Nile god) is carved into the statues’ side panels. Lotus and papyrus can be found on both statues. These were the ancient symbols of Lower and Upper Egypt. Both surround the word “unite,” written in hieroglyphics.

The northern statue of the Colossus of Memnon is noted for its ability to “sing.” After being damaged by an earthquake, the statue began to make weird sounds, but only in the morning. In an attempt to explain the occurrence, the Ancient Greeks claimed that the northern statue was actually Memnon who reappeared as a statue, crying every morning as he watched his mom rise in the sky.  Others claimed that the statue was singing.  An attempt to repair the statue caused the singing to suddenly and ultimately stop.

Anyone planning to visit Egypt should be sure to check out the Colossus of Memnon. These massive structures are a site to behold and one Egyptian attraction (along with the pyramids of course) that shouldn’t be missed.