Colossus of Ramesses II at Memphis, 1897

The Colossus of Ramesses II is an enormous statue carved in limestone. It is about 10m (33.8 ft) long, even though it has no feet, and is located near the village of Mit Rahina (Memphis).

The statue was found in 1820 by an Italian traveler Giovanni Battista Caviglia. The colossus is an incredible piece of work. Ramesses is portrayed in the prone position, but the piece is unfinished.

The colossus is an incredible piece of work. Ramesses is portrayed in the prone position, but the piece is unfinished. How the piece was made often eludes most guests who visit the statue.

The essence of this great statue lies in the many square yards of carved surface. Faced with a task of such magnitude, a cold sweat would form on the brow of any modern worker in stone.

Among the many problems presented by this stone, it likes to chip unpredictably to the terror of the sculptor who would shape it.

The fallen colossus was found near the south gate of the temple of Ptah. Located about 30m from the huge limestone statue of Ramesses II.

Some of the original colors are still partly preserved. A small museum in Memphis has been built to house this magnificent piece.