The Unfinished Obelisk is an intriguing archaeological site located in the northern region of the ancient quarry in Aswan, Egypt. An unfinished obelisk was abandoned during construction due to a large crack. This blog post will examine the Unfinished Obelisk and explore its history, structure, and significance.

History of the Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk is estimated to date back to the New Kingdom period, around 1500 BC. It was commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut, one of the most successful pharaohs in Egyptian history, to be erected in the Temple of Karnak in Luxor. However, a large crack appeared during its construction, making the obelisk unusable. The obelisk was abandoned in the quarry, where it remains.

Construction of the Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk was carved out of the solid granite bedrock in the ancient quarry in Aswan. The obelisk was to be over 40 meters tall and weigh more than 1,000 tons, making it one of the most enormous obelisks ever attempted to be constructed in ancient Egypt. The stonecutting techniques used in constructing the Unfinished Obelisk are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptian stonecutters. The obelisk was carved out of the bedrock using a combination of saws, chisels, and hammers. The stonecutters would first outline the obelisk’s shape on the bedrock using a series of shallow grooves. They would then use saws to cut deeper into the bedrock, creating a channel. Once the canal was deep enough, the stonecutters would use chisels and hammers to break the rock away from the bedrock.

Significance of the Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides valuable insights into ancient Egyptian stonecutting techniques and the tools used by the stonecutters. It also provides insights into the construction techniques used for obelisks, which symbolized ancient Egyptian power and were often erected in front of temples and other important buildings.

Visiting the Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk is open to visitors daily and is a popular tourist destination in Aswan. Visitors can explore the quarry and see the remains of the Unfinished Obelisk. They can also see how the stonecutters worked and the tools they used to carve the obelisk out of the bedrock.

Conclusion

The Unfinished Obelisk is a fascinating archaeological site that glimpses ancient Egyptian stonecutting techniques and construction methods. Its size and the tools used for its construction are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptian stonecutters. If you’re interested in history and archaeology, include a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk on your itinerary when you’re in Aswan. It is a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for ancient Egyptian culture and its achievements.