Egyptian Obelisks

Of all structures created by Man, I can think of no other that garners my awe and admiration more than the Egyptian Obelisks. Why is this so? My statement is based simply on the enormous amount of human effort and sacrifice that was necessary to excavate, finish, transport, and erect such huge megaliths.

Just think about it for a moment. Approximately 3500 years ago, a single piece of granite would be cut from its quarry. It would measure about 8 feet on a side at its base, taper slightly to a height of about 80 feet, and weigh over 200 tons. It would then be dragged, etched, polished, and shipped before finally being tilted upright at its intended resting place. But, the Egyptians did not possess the knowledge of pulleys. The only systems of mechanical advantage they had were, levers, the inclined plane, and the wheel. They also did not possess steel and had no metals strong enough to chisel granite. All they had were inexhaustible quantities of manpower, stones harder than granite (dolerite), wood, and rope. Even by today's standards, producing and moving such an object would be a daunting task. In fact, documents describing recent moves of some of these Obelisks have demonstrated the difficulty of this process (see below). But back then, with such primitive means, it is practically unimaginable.

	The Unfinished Obelisk at Aswan

	Boy in side trench of Unfinished Obelisk. Note the dolerite balls used to pound out the trench.

	How David Roberts saw Ramses II's obelisk at the Temple of Luxor in about the mid 1800's. Note, that its mate is already missing.

The story of these stone beasts is made all the more incredible when you consider their purpose. Originally, in much smaller versions, they were used as a means to elevate the sacred pyramid - the real emblem of the sun, which was the most awe-inspiring object of their culture (and why not? - it's hot there!). But the later monstrous versions that I focus on here do not have such a definite connection with sun worship. It seems that these later structures were more intended as decorations to temples and entrances and acted as no more than a sort of "business card" or "C.V." for a reigning pharoah. Incredible!

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Learn More!...

Nova - Secrets of Lost Empires: Obelisk (1997). This VHS title can be found at Amazon.com

The video above documents an incredible present day attempt to recreate the ancient process of producing and erecting an Obelisk. The first attempt fell short of time. The second effort was successful. This fabulous link at NOVA provides great background on this project as well as wonderful information about many particular Egyptian Obelisks that are either still at home or located elsewhere in the world.

	St. Peter's Square and The Vatican. The Obelisk is at the Square's center.

One of my favorites is the uninscribed Obelisk that now sits in the center of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City (see above). Originally brought to Italy by the Romans, this obelisk was thought to have been erected in the Vatican Circus, which was one of many circuses constructed in ancient Rome; the homes to countless "games" involving chariot races as well as animal and human sacrifice. The Vatican Circus, according to legend, is where Peter was crucified. Just imagine the history that this stone pillar has witnessed over time. By itself, it could almost write the book.

Just a couple of many worthy books on the subject...

D'Alton M and Bierstadt E (1993). The New York Obelisk or How Cleopatra's Needle Came to New York and What Happened When It Got Here.

Engelbach R (1923) The Problem of the Obelisks.