Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III

The Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III is an ancient Egyptian funerary complex built on the west bank of the Nile near Thebes (modern Luxor). It dates to the 14th century BCE, constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

The complex originally included extensive courtyards, colonnades and monumental statuary; the best-known surviving elements are the pair of giant seated statues commonly called the Colossi of Memnon. The site covers a large ruined footprint of the original temple and is one of the principal mortuary complexes of the New Kingdom rulers.

Amenhotep III commissioned and built the temple for his funerary cult and royal ceremonies; after his reign the complex fell into disuse, suffered stone-robbing and earthquake damage, and was gradually buried by Nile-borne sediments. Parts of the site were later reused or quarried during subsequent periods, which contributed to its ruinous state today.

The temple stands on the west bank of the Nile opposite Luxor, at the archaeological area known as Kom el-Hettan and adjacent to the famous Colossi of Memnon; it is accessed from the Luxor west-bank archaeological zone.

• Date and location: Constructed in the 14th century BCE during the reign of Amenhotep III and situated near the modern site of the Colossi of Memnon on the west bank of the Nile.
• Survival: Most of the superstructure no longer survives; what remains are large stone blocks, foundations and the two prominent colossi that mark the site.

What to See#

• Colossi of Memnon: Two colossal seated statues that originally flanked the temple’s approach and are commonly known as the Colossi of Memnon; they survive as some of the most visible remnants of the complex.
• Temple ruins: Temple ruins and foundations at Kom el-Hettan on the west bank of the Nile opposite modern Luxor, comprising stone blocks, courtyards and the footprint of the mortuary complex.

The mortuary temple lies on Luxor’s West Bank, near other major sites like the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon. From Luxor city cross the Nile by bridge or ferry and take local transport or a taxi to the Kom el-Hettan area.

• Combine visits to Luxor's West Bank monuments: the temple area is best explored with a guide to place reclaimed stones in context.
• Bring sun protection and water; shade is limited and temperatures can be high.
• Timing during early morning or late afternoon improves photography and reduces heat stress.