Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two huge stone statues, which are all that remains of the Temple of the hedonistic Amenophis III.
Area
Luxor
Type
History
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
1-2 Hours
The Colossi of Memnon (Arabic: el-Colossat or es-Salamat) are two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which stand at the front of the ruined Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, the largest temple in the Theban Necropolis. They have stood since 1350 BC, and were well known to ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as early modern travelers and Egyptologists. The statues contain 107 Roman-era inscriptions in Greek and Latin, dated to between AD 20 and 250; many of these inscriptions on the northernmost statue make reference to the Greek mythological king Memnon, whom the statue was then – erroneously – thought to represent.
Scholars have debated how the identification of the northern colossus as "Memnon" is connected to the Greek name for the entire Theban Necropolis as the Memnonium
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationAl Moudira
Al Moudira is a luxury boutique property, situated on the West Bank of the Nile. It is a peaceful and stunning desert retreat away from the bustle of Luxor and is situated just outside a local village, giving guests a taste of rural Egyptian life.
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View AccommodationThe Oberoi Zahra
The Oberoi Zahra is the finest and most luxurious ship operating on the Nile. The leisurely 7-night cruise gives the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation – with on board spa treatments that pamper you like a Pharaoh.
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View AccommodationHilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Luxor's most contemporary and luxurious spa resort, the Hilton Luxor, has glorious, uninterrupted views from the unique water’s edge location of the River Nile and is the ideal base from which to explore the region’s rich and ancient culture.
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View AccommodationThe Oberoi Philae
The Oberoi Philae offers a luxurious cruise along the Nile that sails past the landmarks of an ancient civilisation. The elegant cruiser sails from Aswan to Luxor or vice versa and courses through Pharaonic dynasties that span thousands of years.
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View AccommodationSofitel Winter Palace
The Sofitel Winter Palace is steeped in Egyptian history. Built in 1886, it has hosted world leaders throughout the years as well as notable figures such as Agatha Christie, and the 5th Earl of Carnavon whilst excavating Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922.
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View AccommodationSanctuary Sun Boat IV
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV has just 40 cabins and suites in total, with a chic art deco style. Offering three-, four- and 10-night itineraries, the boat sails between Luxor and Aswan offering guests the chance to explore the legendary sites along the Nile.
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View AccommodationSanctuary MS Nile Adventurer
The Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer is a modern boat with all the amenities for a perfect cruise down the River Nile. Choose between a three night cruise or a more relaxing four night cruise.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceHot Air Balloon Sunrise
Enjoy sunrise over the West Bank for a view of the valley on a hot air balloon.
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View ExperienceLuxor Museum
Luxor Museum is home to a small but very high quality collection of Egyptian antiquities. The collection includes grave goods from the tomb of Tutankhamen.
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View ExperienceTemple of Khnum at Esna
The Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna contains the beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall.
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View ExperienceValley of the Queens
The Valley of the Queens is a place near Luxor where wives of Pharaohs were buried in ancient times.
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View ExperienceBest of West Bank
Take a morning motorboat into the West Bank. Explore the Valley of the Kings, Hatchepsut Temple and King Tutankhamun's Tomb. Time permitting, you can also explore another 3 tombs in the Valley of the Queens.
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View ExperienceTemple of Dendarah
Visit to the Temple of Dendarah, dedicated to Hathor, Goddess of Music, Love and Joy.
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View ExperienceValley of the Artisans
Valley of the Artisans or Deir Al Madina hosts some of the lesser-known tombs of the workers, who have built some of the most colourful and most-preserved tombs in Luxor area, which surprisingly rival the tombs of the kings!
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View ExperienceKarnak Temple
Located at the northern end of the town of Luxor, the Karnak Temple has three main sacred areas that honour three gods: Montu, an ancient local warrior god; Amun, the chief god of Thebes; and the goddess Mut, wife of Amun.
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View ExperienceTomb & Mummy of King Tutankhamun
Visit the final resting place of the world-renowned Egyptian pharaoh, King Tutankhamun.
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