.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
This Christmas, Cruise the Nile! Book Now & make your Egyptian Holiday Unforgettable!
Book NowThis Christmas, Cruise the Nile! Book Now & make your Egyptian Holiday Unforgettable!
Situated in Luxor, or ancient Thebes, the previous capital of Ancient Egypt, are two guardian statues in front of the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These statues are known as the Colossi of Memnon and were ordered to be constructed by Amenhotep III to protect his final resting place. The mortuary temple structure itself no longer stands but the statues are the last remaining remnants of the once magnificent place.
St, 152, number 10, Maadi, Cairo, Egypt.
We provide around the clock 24/7 assistance by expert guides and Professional customer care staff.
The famed pharaoh is the son of Tutmosis IV; although his mother was not the primary wife, Amenhotep III took the throne young and ruled Ancient Egypt for about 40 years during the 14th century BC.
He was loved by his people and oversaw a period of prosperity and peace save for a handful of uprisings in the Nile Delta region. He was a champion of the arts and had a pointed focus on diplomacy, facilitating a number of exchanges with foreign countries such as Egyptian gold for horses and semiprecious stones from Asia.
The pharaoh implemented in an ambitious development program that included building his mortuary temple and a huge temple in Nubia that was set to be larger than Karnak, but was destroyed either due to the flooding of the Nile or at the hands of future rulers and invaders. Although he was a beloved ruler, his son Akhenaton did not see the same success.
Even though the statues were built for and by Amenhotep III, the name Colossi of Memnon actually has no link to him at all. The name was a result of a legend that arose many centuries later; Memnon was a hero in the Trojan War who was killed by Achilles.
He was the son of the goddess Eos, the Goddess of the Dawn. Eos was devastated to hear about her son’s death, so she asked the gods to allow him to visit her once a day. Her wish was granted and her son would begin to visit her every morning at dawn.
During the Greek occupation of Egypt, an earthquake in 27 B.C. significantly damaged the statues, leaving a crack that produced a sound similar to a whistle every morning with the passage of the morning winds.
People believed this to be Memnon calling his mom, making the statues a symbol of good luck with mystical powers similar to that of an oracle.
This led to people praying to the monuments. A few centuries later, religious movements that came to Egypt saw this as an act of pagan worship and the Colossi of Memnon were heavily vandalized.
They are carved out of granite and measure about 23 meters in height and whopping 1300 tons in weight. Beside their legs there are three smaller statues, representing Amenhotep III’s mother, his royal wife and the god Hapi, holding up the traditional papyrus and lily.
The statues are engraved with the Sema-Taui symbol, representing the union between Upper and Lower Egypt.
They are the first monuments to greet you on the West Bank in Luxor, rising up in the horizon. Most of the mortuary temple is beneath silt but the two glorious statues are worth seeing on the statues a symbol of good luck with mystical powers similar to that of an oracle. This led to people praying to the monuments.
A few centuries later, religious movements that came to Egypt saw this as an act of pagan worship and the Colossi of Memnon were heavily vandalized.
related tours
Experience the magic of Egypt on this 8-day All Inclusive Egypt trip . Explore iconic pyramids, Nile River Cruises, and discover ancient temples. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this fascinating land.
starting from:
$2910
Spend 7 days exploring the best Egypt tour packages. Start with Cairo and end with a Nile cruise, cruising between Luxor and Aswan attractions with the best Cairo Nile River Cruise.
Unforgettable Christmas on the Nile! Celebrate Christmas in style with a Nile River cruise down the majestic Nile. Explore ancient temples, see the Pyramids bathed in Christmas cheer, and enjoy festive onboard activities. This is a unique way to experience the magic of Christmas and the wonders of Egypt.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of ancient Egypt. Explore iconic pyramids, sail the Nile River, and discover ancient temples. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this fascinating land.
Book your Oriental Package Trip to Egypt today and unlock the secrets of the pharaohs!
Ready to book Your Egypt Tour Package?
starting from:
$1509
starting from:
$1717
starting from:
$2277
