These two huge statues of Amenhotep III originally sat in front of the mortuary temple of the king. Unfortunately, this temple was destroyed throughout the centuries. It is believed that it was built of white sandstone, gold and silver. The statues show Amenhotep seated on his throne with the two Nile gods of upper and lower Egypt uniting the two lands, at his sides. It is also interesting to know that on the right of each statue appears a small figure of Queen Tiye, wife of Amenhotep III and on the left Queen Mutemua, his mother. The colossi are made of sandstone. Part of the north colossus fell in the earthquake of 27 BC. During the Roman period, this site became very popular. Authors and travellers wrote verses on the stone.