Colossi of Memnon West Bank, across from Karnak, Egypt

These paired colossal statues of Amenhotep III were poetically, but incorrectly, thought in ancient times to represent Memnon, the mythological son of Eos (dawn). It was said that the northern (right) statue made a sort of moaning sound at dawn and dusk. The colossus fell silent after repairs by the Roman emperor Septimius Severus.

The statues are quite impressive, even in their ruined state. Their true scale can be seen by comparison with the tiny figure of a visitor in the lower right of the photo. A modern hot-air balloon, hired out for tours, is visible above the cliffs to the right.