2023 – Luxor, Western Bank of the Nile, Egypt
Memnon Colossi and Amenhotep III Temple Conservation Project
The Foundation supports the conservation works of Prof. Dr. Hourig Sourouzian and her team in their archaeological mission for the conservation of the Memnon Colossi and the Amenhotep III temple in Luxor.
‘The Colossi of Memnon and Amenhotep III Temple Conservation Project’ works since 1998 with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the German Archaeological Institute, aiming to preserve the remains of the temple in their original setting.
The Funerary Temple of Amenhotep III (1387-1348 BC) was the largest of its kind and most richly equipped. It was toppled by an earthquake in 1200 B.C, then used as quarry. Alone had remained the colossal statues, now known as the Memnon Colossi.
The site is now enriched with two more seated colossi in quartzite, and pieces of a pair in travertine ready to be lifted. A monumental stela, standing royal colossi in quartzite and red granite mounted in the Peristyle Court; another pair representing the king striding, stands now at the temple’s North Gate. Decorated blocks, sphinxes and divine effigies with 280 statues of Sekhmet recovered and restored, will be placed back in the temple.
