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All Egypt Aswan Unfinished Obelisk

Unfinished Obelisk

The largest known Ancient Egyptian obelisk.

Aswan, Egypt

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Partially uncovered obelisk   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unfinished_ob...
Cracks in the Ancient Egyptian pillar   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unfinished_ob...
“Tools” used to hone the unfinished obelisk   Mary Beth / Atlas Obscura User
  Mary Beth / Atlas Obscura User
The quarry   Jaszmina Szendrey / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Around the Upper Egyptian city of Aswan are several ancient stone quarries, which were the source of Ancient Egypt's finest granite. The Northern Quarries of Aswan holds the remains of the Unfinished Obelisk.

Had it have ever been erected, this obelisk would have been the largest one of Ancient Egypt and would have reached a stunning height of 42 meters. The largest finished obelisk, the Lateran Obelisk is 10 meters shorter than the Unfinished Obelisk, and today stands in Rome, Italy. Although not the largest obelisk, it is nevertheless the largest known monolith of Ancient Egypt, and one of the largest in the world, with an estimated weight of 1,200 tons.

The work on the Unfinished Obelisk had been abandoned due to clearly visible cracks that appeared in the granite. The huge structure, which is partly connected to the parent rock, has been left in situ. The obelisk, together with several worker’s marks and rock carvings, provides a rare insight into the working techniques of Ancient Egypt. Virtually nothing is known about which pharaoh ordered the Obelisk and where it was supposed to be erected.

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Added By

Tawsam

Edited By

argusfoto, kostas1964ath, Jaszmina Szendrey, Mary Beth

  • argusfoto
  • kostas1964ath
  • Jaszmina Szendrey
  • Mary Beth

Published

October 10, 2011

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Sources
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unfinished_obelisk
  • Lonely Planet Egypt, 9th Edition, May 2008
Unfinished Obelisk
Sheyakhah Oula
Aswan
Egypt
24.0769, 32.895428
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Photo of Aswan

Aswan

Egypt

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Nearby Places

Nabta Playa Stone Circle

Aswan, Egypt

miles away

King Jamaica Restaurant and Cafe

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miles away

Monastery of St. Simeon

Aswan, Egypt

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Aswan

Aswan

Egypt

Places 4

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