The ancient Egyptians were one of the most advanced civilizations in history. And we continue to uncover the many treasures they left behind. Recently, archaeologists discovered two incredible likenesses of King Amenhotep III. The king was memorialized in the form of a sphinx. These ancient Egyptian statues are literally, larger than life.
In news, we first saw on DesignTAXI, we learned that these statues were excavated as part of an archeological initiative. The Colossi of Memnon and Amenhotep III Temple Conservation Project began in 1998. 24 years later, today, it continues its mission. The Conservation Project aims to restore, rebuild, and preserve the temples. A worthy investment into such a rich historical site. The project shares:
The aim of The Colossi of Memnon and Amenhotep III Temple Conservation Project is to preserve the last remains of this once prestigious temple and present them with their dignity in their original places.
And these statues are the latest piece of that puzzle. King Amenhotep III ruled in the 18th-dynasty. He was the grandfather of King Tutankhamun. And these giant statues memorialize him. A release from Egypt’s Ministery of Tourism and Antiquities shares that the sphinx statues measure 8 meters in length. It equals out to 26 feet, many times larger than any human being. In archeology, this kind of statue earns the name, colossus.
The release further describes the statues, noting:
Among the discovered pieces were parts of two colossal limestone statues of King Amenhotep III in the form of a Sphinx, wearing a mongoose headdress, a royal beard, and a wide necklace around the neck, which were found in the back area. The Gate of the Third Pylon, indicating that all the pieces of these two statues have undergone careful cleaning, strengthening, and restoration, which showed the presence of an inscription in the chest area bearing the royal name of Amenhotep III, which is “the beloved of the god Amun-Ra”.
Truly, a beautiful find. In addition, the researchers unearthed ancient Egyptian statues of the goddess Sekhmet. As well as other remains of columns with celebratory and ritual markings. They will restore these and settle them in their original places. We hope that one day soon, we can all see these ancient wonders in their full glory.
