description Luxor Temple Obelisk (Luxor) Overview
The Luxor Temple obelisk is a red-granite monument erected for Ramesses II at the entrance to Luxor Temple in ancient Thebes. It originally formed a pair with the obelisk now standing at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, which was transported from Egypt and raised there in 1836. The surviving monument remains in situ beside the temple's first pylon and bears hieroglyphic inscriptions celebrating the pharaoh and his relationship with the gods.
help Luxor Temple Obelisk (Luxor) FAQ
Why is there only one obelisk in front of Luxor Temple today?
Ramesses II originally erected a pair at the temple entrance. The western obelisk was taken to France and raised in Paris's Place de la Concorde in 1836, leaving its partner at Luxor.
Who built the Luxor Temple obelisk?
The surviving red-granite obelisk was erected during the reign of Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE. Its inscriptions praise the king and associate him with the gods worshipped at ancient Thebes.
Were the two Luxor obelisks the same height?
No. The pair was deliberately adjusted so it would appear more symmetrical from the ceremonial approach, despite differences in size and position.
How was the other Luxor obelisk moved to Paris?
French engineers lowered it, transported it down the Nile and across the Mediterranean on a specially adapted vessel, then carried it through France. It was erected at the Place de la Concorde in 1836 during the reign of Louis-Philippe.
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