description Obelisk of Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano Overview
Rome's Lateran square holds a red-granite obelisk originally made for Thutmose III and completed under Thutmose IV. Transported from Thebes to Rome in antiquity, the monument now stands in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano. At more than 32 metres, it is the tallest surviving ancient Egyptian obelisk, giving it a distinctive physical presence among the city's reused Egyptian monuments. Its history connects pharaonic temple construction with the later movement and display of antiquities in Rome.
The shaft's scale is only part of its interest: its present setting is far removed from the Egyptian religious context for which it was created. It suits visitors comparing Rome's obelisks or tracing the movement of ancient monuments, with its size and sequence of relocations providing clear points of distinction.
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.
explore Explore More
Similar to Obelisk of Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano
compare_arrows Compare: Northern Obelisk of Hatsheps... See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
