Obelisk

An obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow pillar that tapers as it rises and is capped by a pyramid-shaped top called a pyramidion. Originating in ancient Egypt, obelisks were commonly erected in pairs at temple entrances and served as monuments connected to the sun god Ra. They were carved from single blocks of stone, typically red granite from Aswan, and inscribed with hieroglyphic texts praising rulers and religious themes. The term obelisk derives from the Greek obelos, meaning spit or needle; in Egyptian usage the form was known as tekhenu.

In construction, obelisks were quarried, transported using sledges and rollers, and erected on bases that often bore inscriptions. The design symbolizes the sun’s rays and the pharaoh’s perceived ability to link heaven and earth. After the Roman period, many Egyptian obelisks were transported to Rome and other cities, where they functioned as ceremonial, commemorative, and decorative features in urban spaces.

Notable modern and historical examples include Cleopatra’s Needle in London and New York, the obelisk at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, and the Washington Monument in the United States. In contemporary use, obelisks continue to be erected as memorials or as architectural focal points. While maintaining a simple geometric form, obelisks now appear in a range of materials and scales, and their meanings have broadened beyond ancient religion to encompass commemoration, symbolism, and urban design.