It’s hard to imagine the creativity, ingenuity and sheer muscle that went into making these collosal statues. In a time without cranes and without pulleys, these temples were erected by workers (not slaves) in honor of various kings during the king’s lifetime. The deal was that if a king started building a temple/pyramid/tomb and then died, the work would come to a hasty end.

From the top, the Collosi of Memnon, 60 ft. high, each carved out of a single block of sandstone, are all that remain of a huge temple. These originally flanked the massive entrance of a temple. Built in about 27 B.C.
Next, the grand Temple of Luxor, built honor King Ramses II, who ruled for 67 years about 1280 B.C. and had time to build himself a massive temple. This statue is 75 ft. tall, a magnificent entrance to a forest of columns, each chiseled with intricate pictures and hieroglyphics.
Last, Abu Simbel far south in Aswan, Egypt. Also built by Ramses II, it was dedicated in theory to various gods, but in practice it was to glorify the king. It’s clever interior design (no photos allowed) included holes for rays of light to strike statues specifically on the autumnal and vernal equinox. Except for the statue of the god of darkness, which never is struck by sunlight. Amazing.

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