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THE NORTHERN COLOSSUS OF MEMNON: NEW SLANTS
Author(s) -
BOWMAN H.,
STROSS F. H.,
ASARO F.,
HAY R. L.,
HEIZER R. F.,
MICHEL H. V.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
archaeometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.716
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1475-4754
pISSN - 0003-813X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-4754.1984.tb00336.x
Subject(s) - statue , colossus computer , pedestal , geology , northern italy , archaeology , petrography , ancient history , geography , paleontology , history , algorithm , european union , computer science , economic policy , business
Chemical and petrographic studies of the two 720‐ton ‘Colossi of Memnon’ located near Luxor, and of Egyptian quartzite quarries indicate that the rear pedestal blocks of the northern statue were quarried at Aswan, while the other, main components of the monuments were quarried near Cairo. Our studies suggest that the rear pedestal blocks of the northern statue were part of the reconstruction project undertaken by Roman emperor Septimius Severus. Our studies of the tilting of the statues further suggest that the rear part of the lower torso of the northern statue was moved when the statue was reconstructed. Part of the present‐day tilting of the northern statue probably occurred prior to the reconstruction.