The Colossal Statues in the Plain of Thebes, during the Innundation

The two Colossi of Memnon, massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III (ruled c.1388-c.1351 BC), guarding the entrance to his mortuary temple.

Later visitors named them after Memnon, a King of Ethiopia who led his armies to aid the defence of Troy and was killed by Achilles.

The statues are shown surrounded by flood waters from the Nile; however when Roberts visited in December the annual Innundation of the Nile would have receded.

Published in the monumental folio edition of 'Egypt & Nubia: from drawings made on the spot' by David Roberts (1796 - 1864), lithographed by Louis Haghe.