Brief update on work at Temple of Amenhotep III, Luxor

World Monuments Fund (Hourig Sourouzian)

Thanks to Kate Phizackerley's News from the Valley of the Kings for posting the above link.

Hourig Sourouzian is the Director of the Colossi of Memnon and Amenhotep III Temple Conservation Project

Since the beginning of our season on January 15, 2011, our project has made great progress. All reassembly and conservation works continue.

The 400-ton torso of the North Colossus of Amenhotep III at the Second Pylon was transported on a ramp 9.5 meters towards its original place and is now lying near and parallel to its pedestal. It lies now on its right flank facing east. A plinth was cemented under its base to facilitate the lifting. The torso will be placed on the pedestal as soon as the plinth dries. This operation is planned for mid-March 2011.

At the Third Pylon, we have uncovered the alabaster blocks belonging to two other colossal statues of Amenhotep III. Cleaning and conservation works are in progress and a project to raise the White Colossus is now in preparation.