The Colossi of Memnon are an integral part of Egypt's architectural heritage. The statues were erected in the city of Luxor in honor of the pharaoh Amenhotep III - he is depicted on them. A whole temple was built here, but it collapsed, and two amazing sculptures give vacationers the opportunity to touch the centuries-old history by taking a photo for memory. These statues are 20 meters high and weigh over 700 tons. Sandstone blocks were used as building materials.
Colossi of Memnon: History
Centuries ago, the Colossus of Memnon was tasked with protecting a more significant structure - the temple of Amenhotep III. However, the structure was erected near the Nile River, the spills of which wiped it off the face of the earth. In this regard, the surviving "guards" of the temple became the main attraction. In terms of religiosity and beauty, not a single sanctuary of Ancient Egypt competed with the temple.
Thanks to the ancient historian Strabo, the world learned why the statues were called singing. The whole secret is that the rays of the rising sun heated the air, and it seeped through a hole in the northern Colossus of Memnon, producing a beautiful melody. But in 27 BC. e. there was an earthquake, as a result of which the northern sculpture was destroyed. A little later it was restored by the Romans, but it no longer made sounds.
The significance of the statues
The remains of these statues give the modern generation an idea of the scale of construction and the level of technology of the time. It is impossible to imagine how many significant events took place near them for 3 thousand years.
Serious injuries to the face and other parts of the sculptures make it impossible to recognize the appearance of one of the most influential pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Some historians are convinced that the damage to the Colossi of Memnon was caused by one of the Persian kings - Cambyses.
Who was Memnon?
When Troy was attacked, the Ethiopian king Memnon (son of Aurora) came to the rescue. As a result of the battle, he was killed by Achilles. Legend has it that the melody from the statues is Aurora's cry for her lost son. We also recommend looking at the Egyptian pyramids.
