Luxor Obelisk in the Place de la Concorde, Paris, France.
Here, we will learn the origins of obelisks and what some famous obelisks are around the world.
What is an obelisk?
Luxor Obelisk in the Place de la Concorde, Paris, France. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Vladimir Volodin/Shutterstock)
Obelisk of Tuthmosis III, Istanbul, Turkey.
(Photo:Stock Photosfrom ibrahim kavus/Shutterstock)
Anobeliskis a celebratory monument originating from ancient Egypt.
It is a tall, four-sided structure with a pyramid-shaped top.
Obelisk of Tuthmosis III, Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom ibrahim kavus/Shutterstock)
History
Hieroglyphic carving of the Ancient Egyptian god Ra.
The shape of the obelisk is associated with the ancient Egyptian god of the sun, Ra.
It is for this reason that Rome is home to the most ancient obelisks in the world.
Hieroglyphic carving of the Ancient Egyptian god Ra. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Vixit/Shutterstock)
King Ezana’s Stele, Axum, Northern Ethiopia.
The incomplete monument measures 137 feet and weighs 1,200 short tons.
It was transported to Rome in 357 CE as part of the decoration for the Circus Maximus.
King Ezana’s Stele, Axum, Northern Ethiopia. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom knovakov/Shutterstock)
Heliopolis Obelisk, Cairo, Egypt
Heliopolis Obelisk, Cairo, Egypt.
It is 67 feet tall and the oldest standing obelisk located in Egypt.
They were fashioned approximately 3,000 years ago during the reign of Ramesses II.
“Unfinished Obelisk” in Aswan, Egypt (Photo: Vermeulen-Perdaen-Guido/Depositphotos)
In exchange, Egypt received a clock that can still be seen at the Cairo Citadel.
Washington Monument, Washington DC, United States
Washington Monument, Washington DC.
The 221-foot monument was made in only 31 days between the months of March and May in 1936.
Obelisk in Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican, Rome, Italy. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Mistervlad/Shutterstock)
It commemorates the first foundation of Buenos Aires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of an obelisk?
In ancient times, obelisks were traditionally built as celebratory monuments or landmarks.
Lateran Obelisk, Piazza San Giovanni, Laterano, Rome. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock)
What is the obelisk a symbol of?
The shape of an obelisk symbolizes the Egyptian sun god Ra.
Is the Washington Monument an obelisk?
Heliopolis Obelisk, Cairo, Egypt. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
The Washington Monument is the world’s tallest obelisk at 555 feet and the world’s tallest stone structure.
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Left: Luxor Obelisk at the Luxor Temple, Egypt. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom agsaz Shutterstock) | Right: Luxor Obelisk at the Place de la Concorde, Paris, France. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom ArTono/Shutterstock)
Washington Monument, Washington DC. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Orhan Cam/Shutterstock)
The Obelisk of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom sharptoyou/Shutterstock)
