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Egypt has unveiled restored statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Luxor. These grand alabaster giants, known as the Colossi of Memnon, have completed a 20-year meticulous restoration. The unveiling is part of Egypt's efforts to enhance tourism.

 

The statues, originally toppled by an earthquake around 1200 BC, were part of Amenhotep III’s funerary temple. This pharaoh, who ruled from 1390 to 1353 BC, oversaw Egypt's most prosperous era, known for monumental constructions. Over centuries, the fragmented statues were partially reused in other temples until a restoration project began in the 1990s led by a German-Egyptian team.

 

Mohamed Ismail of the Supreme Council of Antiquities emphasised the significance of this restoration, helping to revive the grandeur of Luxor's ancient temples. The 14.5-meter statues depict Amenhotep III sitting with a royal headdress, looking east towards the Nile. Smaller statues of his wife Tiye accompany these colossal figures.

 

This unveiling follows the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, a major boost to Egyptian tourism. The sector, crucial for the economy, had faced challenges due to political instability and the pandemic but now shows signs of recovery. Officials anticipate tourist numbers to grow further, reaching 30 million annually by 2032, reported ABC News.

 

Sherif Fathy, Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Minister, expressed optimism at the Luxor event, highlighting continued archaeological progress. In 2024, Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists, contributing significantly to its GDP, with hopes to increase this number to 18 million in the current year.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Egypt revealed restored Amenhotep III statues in Luxor after two decades.
• The project is part of ongoing efforts to boost tourism and the economy.
• Tourist numbers in Egypt are expected to see significant growth by 2032.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-12-15

 

 

 

Vid states each statue is "a single piece of stone"..... looking at the statues sure seems they are put together in pieces... saw those back in 97.... all that old stuff lying around is very impressive

There was a movie called Luxor a few years back.  It is about a woman dealing with PTSD from being involved in the Iraq war.  The real star of the movie is Luxor itself, where she goes to stay and meet with old friends working the digs.  The film is a good way to see the place without being constantly approached by touts.

 

While there I was starved for non-Mideastern coffee, so I went to a McDonald's (for a while they were known for serving a not-too-bad cuppa outside of the US).  Hell of a view.  Coffee was actually pretty decent, and when I went for a second cup I found out why:  pods, each cup made to order, which at that time I had never heard of ("saa-tay in Thailand too mutt").  

 

 

On 12/15/2025 at 4:52 AM, Emdog said:

Vid states each statue is "a single piece of stone"..... looking at the statues sure seems they are put together in pieces... saw those back in 97.... all that old stuff lying around is very impressive

 

I was there around the same time. Luxor is lovely as bendejo says.

 

Spent a few days there, hired a horse and cart taxi to see Valley of the Queens and other tombs etc on the other side of the river. Was introduced to the family and a young woman I think they were hoping I'd be interested in 555. (She was quite nice but I'd never integrate into that kind of social set up.)

 

Took the convoy across the desert to the Red Sea and did some exquisite diving there - went back many times. Heard some of the best ever dance music there. 

 

Great times.

 

Now just an old wizened drone looking for somewhere warm to die 555