Egypt: Missing pieces of ancient statues found

German archaeologists discover lost remnants of famed Colossi of Memnon, one of the country’s oldest tourist attractions

The Egyptian minister of antiquities announced Sunday that a team of German archaeologists has discovered missing pieces belonging to the famed Colossi of Memnon. The statues, dating to roughly 1350 BC, were damaged in an earthquake during the Roman era.

The colossi are some of Egypt’s oldest tourist attractions, drawing tourists since ancient times. The twin statues, over 18 meters (60 feet) tall each, are of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who was worshiped as a deity. The statues are the only remains of a large temple that was built as a memorial to the pharaoh.

Minister of Antiquities Mohammed Ibrahim said Sunday the team made the discovery in cooperation with archaeologists from Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities. He said the pieces belong to the belt of one statue, and the base of the other.