Facts about Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan

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Hatshepsut Obelisk | Aswan Granite Quarries

Facts about Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan

05 16, 2023

An obelisk is typically characterized as a tall, slender structure with four sides that taper to a small pyramidal apex. While this architectural form is primarily associated with Greek design, Egypt is home to several obelisks, among which the unfinished obelisk in Aswan is recognized as one of the largest. Commissioned by Hatshepsut, the queen consort of Thutmose II, who reigned as Pharaoh of Egypt from 1478 to 1458 B.C. alongside the young Thutmose III, this obelisk may have been inspired by the Lateran Obelisk, originally erected at the Karnak Temple Complex in Egypt before being relocated to Lateran Square in Rome towards the conclusion of the Roman Empire.

The Unfinished Obelisk remains in situ within its original granite quarry in Aswan. Measuring 42 meters in length, it is believed to have been left incomplete due to the emergence of cracks in the stone during its construction. Had it been finished, this obelisk would have been the heaviest ever quarried in Ancient Egypt, with an estimated weight of nearly 1,100 tons. It is thought that the project was initiated and subsequently halted during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut in the 18th dynasty. a tall, slender structure with four sides that taper to a small pyramidal apex. While this architectural form is primarily associated with Greek design, Egypt is home to several obelisks, among which the unfinished obelisk in Aswan is recognized as one of the largest. Commissioned by Hatshepsut, the queen consort of Thutmose II, who reigned as Pharaoh of Egypt from 1478 to 1458 B.C. alongside the young Thutmose III, this obelisk may have been inspired by the Lateran Obelisk, originally erected at the Karnak Temple Complex in Egypt before being relocated to Lateran Square in Rome towards the conclusion of the Roman Empire.

The Unfinished Obelisk remains in situ within its original granite quarry in Aswan. Measuring 42 meters in length, it is believed to have been left incomplete due to the emergence of cracks in the stone during its construction. Had it been finished, this obelisk would have been the heaviest ever quarried in Ancient Egypt, with an estimated weight of nearly 1,100 tons. It is thought that the project was initiated and subsequently halted during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut in the 18th dynasty.

The Comprehensive Account of the Incomplete Obelisk in Aswan
This monumental obelisk was designed to exceed the length of all other Egyptian obelisks by at least one-third. It was projected to reach a height of 42 meters and weigh approximately 1,200 tons. The initial efforts involved carving the obelisk from a granite bedrock; however, the endeavor was ultimately abandoned due to the emergence of numerous cracks in the granite. The base of the obelisk remains affixed to the bedrock of this granite quarry in Aswan (or Assuan, as referred to in the local Egyptian dialect). The precise cause of these cracks is still uncertain, but it is currently believed that the method of excavating the granite may have contributed to the formation of these fissures, whereas earlier theories suggested that the granite itself was of substandard quality.

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Large wooden ramps and stairs that lead to the Unfinished Obelisk are now open to tourists.

The ancient town of Aswan, also known as Swenett or Syene, was the southernmost frontier settlement of Ancient Egypt. This region's ancient Egyptian stone quarries were renowned for their stone, particularly for the granitic rock known as Syenite.

Going to Nubian villages and talking to the people who live there is a really good way to learn about the Nubian language and the things they do to celebrate their culture.

Indeed, the region where the Nubian people live is where Aswan is situated. You can learn about traditional Nubian music and dance, see their distinctive architecture and crafts, and immerse yourself in Nubian culture by visiting villages like Gharb Soheil and Siou.

An unfinished obelisk in Aswan is part of the region's cultural heritage and plays an important role in attracting tourists to the area. Here are some of the reasons why the unfinished obelisk is interesting and attracts tourists:

Pharaonic history: The obelisk dates back to Pharaonic times and is part of the ancient history of Egypt. Tourists who are interested in ancient Egyptian civilization are attracted to visit this site to see the ruins and learn about the ancient history of the area.

Hieroglyphic art: The obelisk contains intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions and symbols that tell stories from the ancient civilization. Tourists who are interested in ancient Pharaonic art and culture may find visiting the obelisk a fun and educational experience.

Cultural attraction: The presence of monuments such as the Obelisk is part of Aswan's cultural appeal. Tourists looking for unique cultural experiences can enjoy visiting this site and discovering ancient Egyptian culture.

In 1952, Greek-Egyptian engineer Adrian Daninos proposed this project to build the High Dam in Aswan to trap the Nile floods, store its water and generate electricity from it. In early 1954, two German engineering companies submitted a design for the project, and in December of the same year an international committee approved the feasibility of building the High Dam.

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