The Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive statues constructed using blocks of quartzite sandstone. The statues represent the 18th dynasty Pharaoh Amenhotep III who ruled Egypt between 1390 BCE and 1352 BCE. The two statues stand at the front of the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III (built by the main architect Amenhotep, son of Hapu around 1350 BCE ) which is believed to have been destroyed by an earthquake which occurred around 1200 BCE. At the time of its’ construction, the temple was the largest in the Necropolis of Thebes . The Colossi of Memnon Even though, certain inscriptions may differ, the two statues are believed to have been identical to each other when they were initially constructed. The twin statues depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III in a seated position, his hands resting on his knees and facing towards the Nile River. There are two shorter figures carved into the front throne alongside his legs representing his wife Tiye and mother ...