ABSTRACT
Rameses II, Sesostris, having restored the portions of the great temple of Phtah at Memphis, which bordered the sacred lake on the west and south, had colossi erected in front of the doors. When Memphis fell and became Christian, the fame of the colossi died away. The rise of the river partly restores the original aspect of the spot, but the setting of porticoes and pylons which framed it has vanished; it was replaced by clumps of big trees, under which was situated the village of Tell-el-Khanzir. Another Ramses in granite and a stele of Apries found in the neighbourhood were afterwards placed there, and completed the little open air museum. It lies along the side of the path under the palm-trees of Bedrechein. The Arabs call the colossus Aboul-Hol, the father of the Terror, like the great Sphinx. The whole of Egypt is full of analogous superstitions and have been transmitted from generation to generation.
