#obelisks

The Obelisk of Matareya, also known as the Obelisk of Senusret I, is a fascinating piece of ancient Egyptian history. Located in the Matariyya district of Cairo, it's one of the oldest standing obelisks in Egypt, dating back to around 1971-1926 BCE during the Middle Kingdom. ¹ ²

Interesting Facts:

Tallest Ancient Obelisk: It stands at an impressive 68 feet (20.7 meters) tall and weighs around 121 tons.

Single Piece of Granite: The obelisk is crafted from a single block of red granite, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians.

Solar Symbolism: The obelisk is a symbol of the sun god Ra, representing the connection between earth and heaven.

Historical Significance: It was erected by Pharaoh Senusret I to commemorate his reign and honor the gods.

Construction Technique: The obelisk was carved using dolerite balls, with no chisel marks visible, demonstrating the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian craftsmen. ³

Edward Gorey (1925–2000), “Cemetery (Garden obelisks with skulls)”