The Egyptian minister of antiquities announces 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 touristic attractions, drawing tourists since ancient times. The twin statues, over 18 meters (60 feet) tall each, are of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who was worshipped as a deity. The statues are the only remains of a large temple that was built in memorial of the pharaoh.
Minister of Antiquities Mohammed Ibrahim says 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.
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