description Obelisk of Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano Overview
The Obelisk of Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano is an ancient Egyptian red-granite obelisk displayed in the Lateran square in Rome. It was made for Thutmose III and completed under Thutmose IV, then transported from Thebes to Rome in antiquity. At more than 32 metres, it is the tallest ancient Egyptian obelisk still standing and is distinguished from Rome's other obelisks by its large size and long history of relocation.
help Obelisk of Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano FAQ
Who made the Obelisk of Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano?
The obelisk was made for Thutmose III and completed under Thutmose IV. It is an ancient Egyptian red-granite monument now standing in Rome.
Was the Lateran Obelisk originally built in Rome?
No. It was made in Egypt and transported from Thebes to Rome in antiquity before eventually being displayed in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano.
How tall is the Lateran Obelisk?
The monument stands at more than 32 metres. That makes it the tallest ancient Egyptian obelisk standing in Rome.
Why is the Lateran Obelisk historically important?
It connects the reigns of Thutmose III and Thutmose IV with Rome's later imperial history. Its relocation from Thebes to Rome also shows how Egyptian monuments were reused and reinterpreted in antiquity.
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