Colossi of Memnon

Egypt History - Egyptian Chapter Decoration

Background

The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues located on the west bank of the Nile River, near Luxor (ancient Thebes), in Egypt. These statues are among the most iconic and enduring monuments from ancient Egypt. Here are the key details about the Colossi of Memnon:

Historical Background

Pharaoh Amenhotep III: The Colossi of Memnon were originally constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III (c. 1386–1353 BCE) of the 18th Dynasty. They were part of his mortuary temple complex, which was one of the largest and most opulent temples of ancient Egypt.
Name and Myth: The name "Memnon" was given by the Greeks, who associated the statues with the mythological Ethiopian king Memnon, a hero of the Trojan War. According to legend, Memnon was the son of Eos (the dawn) and Tithonus, and the Greeks believed the statues made a sound at dawn in memory of him.

Architectural Features

Height and Weight: Each statue stands approximately 18 meters (59 feet) high and weighs around 720 tons. They are carved from blocks of quartzite sandstone, which were transported from quarries near Cairo, about 675 kilometers (420 miles) away.
Depiction: The statues depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III seated on his throne, facing east towards the Nile River and the rising sun. His hands rest on his knees, and he wears the traditional royal headdress and kilt.
Throne Reliefs: The sides of the thrones are decorated with reliefs depicting the Nile god Hapi and symbols representing Upper and Lower Egypt, symbolizing the pharaoh’s dominion over the entire land of Egypt.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Mortuary Temple: The Colossi originally stood at the entrance of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple, which was one of the most magnificent temple complexes of ancient Egypt. However, the temple itself was largely destroyed by earthquakes and subsequent flooding.
Singing Colossi: In antiquity, the northern statue was famous for emitting a "singing" or "whistling" sound at dawn, which the Greeks and Romans believed was the voice of Memnon greeting his mother, Eos. This phenomenon was likely caused by the heating of the stone by the sun, which caused it to emit a sound due to the cracks and cavities within the statue.

Destruction and Restoration

Earthquake Damage: The statues were damaged by a powerful earthquake in 27 BCE, which caused the upper parts of the statues to collapse. This damage is believed to have contributed to the "singing" phenomenon.
Restoration Efforts: In the 3rd century CE, the Roman emperor Septimius Severus attempted to restore the northern statue. This restoration, however, stopped the "singing" phenomenon, as the cracks that caused the sound were filled in.

Modern Context

Tourism: The Colossi of Memnon are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire their grandeur and learn about their historical significance.
Archaeological Research: Ongoing archaeological research and excavation in the area continue to uncover new insights into the original mortuary temple complex and the statues’ construction and history.

Conclusion

The Colossi of Memnon stand as impressive monuments to the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient Egypt. They serve as enduring symbols of the grandeur of Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s reign and continue to captivate the imagination of visitors and scholars alike. Despite the destruction of the mortuary temple they once guarded, the Colossi remain a testament to the legacy and historical significance of ancient Egyptian civilization.