Ancient Egypt is a quest of ancient monuments and architectural secrets that are still getting studied in depth to understand the history better. Obelisks are one of the major parts of the architectural setting, which is commonly found in the historical monuments. So, the Unfinished Obelisk is a monument that is not completed, found in the granite quarry in Aswan, Egypt.
The fact that makes it unique is that it is still found in the same bedrock where it is being carved. It was discovered in the early 20th century, after being buried under sand in the quarry. If this obelisk was finished, then it may be the largest obelisk ever made, which is about 41.7-42 meters tall.
The sayings and research say that the work of carving the obelisk was left abandoned because of a large crack in it. The surface of the obelisk marks a prominent way to research about tools used by ancient architects. Tool marks and chisel work depict use of stoneworking techniques.
This site in Egypt is protected by the UNESCO World Heritage, under Nubian monuments, to preserve the unique culture and heritage of Egyptians.
History—Unfinished Obelisk
The unfinished obelisk aswan carving began in the New Kingdom of Egypt, likely during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut during 1473–1458 BC. Obelisks were major royal commissions and symbols of divine power for Egyptian kings and queens, and it was intended for a temple, possibly the Karnak Temple, as it was expanded during the New Kingdom period in Egypt.
It was carved directly from the bedrock instead of having its parts quarried separately. Ancient records show these quarries were used for many significant monuments in Egypt. The quarry in Aswan was a major source for red granite used across Egypt in temples and statues. The unfinished work of carving today stands as proof or as a testament of the ancient Egyptian engineering practices.
Where is the Unfinished Obelisk located?
The Unfinished Obelisk lies in the Northern Quarries of Aswan on the east bank of the Nile.
Aswan Quarry is in the southern part of Egypt, known for its high-quality pink and red granite and large quarry area, which was a major quarrying center for ancient Egyptian stone.
Today also the site is accessed through a series of quarry paths that were made by the ancient workers who carved stone. It’s about 1 km east of the Nile, near modern-day Aswan town limits. The Northern Quarries are part of a larger ancient Aswan quarry landscape visible throughout the region, and surrounding marks reflect centuries of stone extraction activity.
Why is it an Egyptian tourist spot?
There is a number of researches being carried out and still ongoing about the ancient engineering architect practices that were able to make buildings that are still standing from centuries ago. Like which carving techniques are used for stones, how it shaped the whole process, and how the stones are too heavy and how they were shipped. The hieroglyphic language is directly carved into the stone, showing how these things were done.
So, the unfinished tourist spot is important to know that Egyptians have great mastery in monumental architecture. The engineers of that time were so thoughtful that after noticing the crack, the obelisk was stopped halfway. It also helps historians understand the ambitions of Egyptian rulers, that they planned out the largest obelisk of all time and tried to build it. Below, some facts are mentioned about the Unfinished Obelisk, which makes it a hotspot location for Dahabiya Nile Cruise passengers while they are exploring the other attractions also.
Facts about Unfinished Obelisk Aswan
- It is the largest known obelisk that was ever attempted in ancient Egypt and now also comes under the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a number of researches are also done on the obelisk.
- It offers rare archaeological insight into ancient stone quarrying and construction techniques and plays a significant role in showing how ancient Egyptians craved stone.
- The location, still in the bedrock, defines how obelisks are carved from a single stone. Tourists usually explore the site while on Swan Dahabiya river cruising itineraries.
- Leaving them unfinished shows the knowledge and intelligence of the engineers; you knew that if it got completed, it might collapse, and work was stopped on the obelisk.
- It stands as a symbol of the ambition, great planning, and hard work of the workers of ancient Egyptian times.
- The unfinished obelisk weight is around 1200 tons and is one of the heaviest obelisks in Egyptian architectural history, which was carved but never completed.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the timings for visiting the Unfinished Obelisk?
Unfinished, the obelisk in Egypt, an ancient monument and archeological site, is among the popular tourist attractions. The timings of the site visit for tourists are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM; timings may vary in the month of Ramadan.
What tips must tourists follow while visiting the Unfinished Obelisk?
Foremost, wear comfortable sports or walking shoes, as you need to walk through uneven rocky paths during exploration. Carry your water bottle and ensure you stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and put on sunglasses for ideal protection from the sun during the peak daylight hours.
Can tourists touch the Unfinished Obelisk?
Yes, visitors can walk very close to it and see the carving marks, but climbing or damaging it is strictly prohibited. Tourists can also click unfinished obelisk photos but only from the areas where it is allowed.
How big would the Unfinished Obelisk have been if finished?
If the unfinished obelisk were completed, it would have been the largest obelisk ever built, taller than most modern buildings and ancient Roman architecture. A crack in the monument has stopped it from being the tallest obelisk in the world.
Who ordered the construction of this obelisk?
Most historians believe it was commissioned during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most powerful female rulers. It is also believed that the obelisk was constructed to be placed in the temple complex of Karnak; a significant expansion was performed there during her regime as the pharaoh.