World History: 14-m high statue of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III unearthed in Egypt

The largest statue of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III (18th dynasty, reigned presumably between 1388-1351 BC) was discovered by Egyptian archaeologists in the area of an ancient temple on the west bank of the Nile of Luxur, the south of Egypt.

The mission, led by Dr. Zahi Hawass, Minister of State for Antiquities of Egypt, unearthed a statue reaching 13,65 meters in height. The statue is one of a pair that once flanked the northern entrance to the temple.

Two statues were damaged by a severe earthquake in 27 BC. Dr. Zahi Hawass reports that by now archaeologists have already discovered several fragments of the statue which are being cleaned of sand. The head of this statue has not been found yet. The statue will be restored and erected on the historical site at northern gates of the temple of Amenhotep III. Later archaeologists will start looking for the second counterpart.