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Egypt Unveils 3,400-Year-Old Pharaoh Statues
14 Dec
Summary
- Two colossal alabaster statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III were revealed in Luxor.
- The statues, known as the Colossi of Memnon, were restored over two decades.
- This project aims to boost tourism by showcasing Egypt's rich ancient heritage.
In Luxor, Egypt, the government has revealed the completion of a two-decade renovation project for the Colossi of Memnon. These two monumental alabaster statues represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled approximately 3,400 years ago during ancient Egypt's prosperous New Kingdom era. The colossi, once toppled by an earthquake, have been meticulously reassembled to reflect their original splendor.
The restoration efforts aim to revitalize the funerary temple of Amenhotep III and enhance Luxor's appeal as a major tourist destination. The statues, each standing over 45 feet tall and depicting the pharaoh seated with smaller statues of his wife Tiye at his feet, are carved from Egyptian alabaster. Their unveiling is a key part of Egypt's strategy to boost its tourism sector.
This unveiling follows the recent inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum and underscores the government's commitment to leveraging its rich archaeological heritage to drive economic recovery. With Egypt anticipating millions of tourists annually, such revitalized historical sites are crucial for drawing visitors and contributing significantly to the nation's GDP.
