About the Unfinished Obelisk
The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan is the largest Obelisk in the ancient world and the largest in Egypt. Its name “obelisk” comes from the Greek word “obelisks”. The Egyptians used tools to cut the blocks in the shape of wooden wedges that they put into rectangular openings made in rock and after the wedges were submerged in water, they swelled and broke the stone.
Unfinished Obelisk; The obelisks were like the pyramids that are testimony to the ability of the ancient Egyptians who cut and moved these large blocks of granite. The construction of the obelisks was made of quartz, basalt, and limestone.
The construction of the obelisks started in the New Empire even though they were built before but they were small. One of the most outstanding obelisks is the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. It is considered one of the most important attractions of Aswan.
The History of the Unfinished Obelisk
The Unfinished Obelisk was built by the order of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty who ruled Egypt from 1490 to 1468 BC. (wife of King Thutmosis II).
The Obelisk was built to be the counterpart of the Lateran obelisk of Karnak (30 m high and 350 tons) which was moved to the Lateran Palace in Rome. During the excavation of the Obelisk in granite quarries, cracks in the rock were passed through so it was left.
The Construction of the Obelisk
Obelisks are large 4-sided columns that end in a pyramid shape. The Obelisk is located in the quarries in north Aswan. The Obelisk measures 42 m and 1200 tons. The base of the Obelisk is 4 m long. It is made of pink granite.
The surface was smooth because they removed the imperfections with stone balls. It is considered an open-air museum that offers you the opportunity to learn about stoneworking techniques and to cut huge blocks.
Excursion to the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan
There are many magical attractions in Egypt’s cities such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria, so if you want to explore historical destinations, check out our Egypt and Nile cruise packages and choose the trip you prefer.
