Towering Obelisks Are Found Worldwide. Discover What Makes Them So Captivating

Among the remarkable architectural wonders of ancient Egypt, the pyramids often steal the spotlight. However, these iconic structures are not the only geometric marvels to emerge from the banks of the Nile. Their rectangular counterparts, obelisks, have made their way across the globe, gracing cities like Washington, D.C., and Paris, France. Yet, these towering monuments remain enveloped in intrigue and mystery.

"Obelisks have their roots in ancient Egypt," explains historian Pamela O. Long via email. "These grand structures were often erected in honor of Egypt's solar deities, symbolizing both the pharaoh's authority and the harmonious union of earthly and divine power."

Long explains that obelisks first emerged during the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties of the Old Kingdom (around 2494 to 2184 B.C.E.), coinciding with the construction of the Giza pyramids. "A key feature of obelisks is that they are monoliths, meticulously carved from granite — primarily sourced from the Aswan quarry in lower Egypt — as a single massive stone block weighing hundreds of tons," Long notes. "They featured a square base, tapered gradually upward, and were crowned with a pyramidion, a pyramid-shaped capstone."

Crafting an architectural marvel from hundreds of tons of stone may seem nearly impossible, and for good reason. "The process of extracting an obelisk from a quarry, transporting it to the Nile, loading it onto a ship, unloading it, and finally erecting it was an extraordinary demonstration of advanced technology and sheer human effort," Long explains.

Ancient Obelisks Were Monolithic

The monolithic nature of these ancient structures — carved from a single stone — sets them apart from modern replicas. "Many are unaware that ancient Egyptian obelisks were monolithic," Long states. "This uniqueness contributes to their beauty and significance. While structures like the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., mimic the obelisk shape, they are masonry constructions and differ fundamentally from the monolithic originals."

Experts suggest that obelisks were closely linked to Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, but their symbolism extends further. "The obelisk represents solar regeneration and creation, embodying the essence of the Benben stone," says Vicky Almansa-Villatoro, a Ph.D. candidate in Egyptology at Brown University, via email. "The Benben stone is a magical icon symbolizing the Primordial Hill, which, according to ancient Egyptian creation myths (cosmogonies), emerged from the primordial waters of Nu. The Heliopolitan narrative describes this hill as the first landmass to rise from the waters, inspired by the fertile mounds left by the receding Nile floods, marking the start of the agricultural season."

Almansa-Villatoro explains that the Benben was likely a physical, mound-shaped structure revered by the people of Heliopolis. "The Sun temples of the Fifth Dynasty featured earth mounds resembling small pyramids in their courtyards, and obelisks were similarly crowned with pyramidions," she notes. "Both obelisks and pyramids symbolize regeneration, deeply tied to the imagery of the Primordial Hill and the Benben stone. Egyptian creation myths are diverse and sometimes conflicting. The Heliopolitan myth, centered on the Primordial Hill and the Benben, originates from Heliopolis, the city dedicated to the sun god Ra and his various forms."

A defining characteristic of many original obelisks is their intricate decoration. "Obelisks were typically adorned on all sides with hieroglyphs, primarily celebrating the pharaoh and their achievements," Long explains. "This fascination has driven extensive research by Egyptologists into their construction, transportation, erection, and symbolism. By studying the hieroglyphs (found on most, though not all, obelisks) and their architectural and cultural contexts, modern scholars have uncovered significant insights into these ancient monuments."

One often overlooked aspect of these massive structures, weighing hundreds of tons, is their ability to be relocated (with human intervention). "Obelisks are ancient monuments that can be moved, and their significance evolves as they transition from one location and culture to another," Long states. "The obelisks in Egypt, Rome, Istanbul, Paris, London, and New York each hold unique meanings for the cultures that house them, distinct from their original Egyptian symbolism."

Although the Washington Monument, standing at 555 feet (169 meters), holds the title of the world's tallest obelisk, Long argues that the Vatican Obelisk in Rome's St. Peter's Square is arguably the most renowned. "Its fame stems not from its original relocation from Egypt to Rome after the Roman conquest, but from its dramatic repositioning by Pope Sixtus V and his engineer, Domenico Fontana, to the front of St. Peter's Square," she explains. "This monumental task, carried out in 1586, captivated all of Rome as it unfolded over several months."

Long describes the relocation process as both perilous and celebrated across Italy. "Domenico Fontana, the engineer, documented the entire endeavor in a remarkable book, complete with intricate woodcuts detailing each step, the manpower, and the machinery involved," she says. "Published in 1590, this account remains a marvel today, offering clear explanations and vivid illustrations of the techniques and tools used for the move."

While obelisks carry profound historical and symbolic weight, their true allure may lie in their breathtaking beauty. "Obelisks are stunning," Long remarks. "If you find yourself in Egypt, Istanbul, Rome, Paris, London, or New York, take a moment to truly observe them. Despite their immense weight, they possess a delicate elegance. They are among the oldest human-made structures in their respective cities, showcasing a refined geometry. Ignore the surrounding noise and distractions, and spend time admiring the obelisk, circling it if possible, studying the hieroglyphs, and the pyramidion reaching toward the sun. These massive yet movable monuments bridge the ancient past with the present, evoking deep emotion."