description Montecitorio Obelisk Overview
The Montecitorio Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian granite obelisk in Piazza di Montecitorio, Rome. Emperor Augustus brought it from Heliopolis to Rome in 10 BCE and used it as the gnomon, or shadow-casting indicator, of the Solarium Augusti, a large sundial in the Campus Martius. After centuries buried or fallen, the obelisk was restored and re-erected in the piazza, where it remains a visible link between Roman imperial planning and modern Rome.
help Montecitorio Obelisk FAQ
What was the Montecitorio Obelisk used for in ancient Rome?
Emperor Augustus used the Egyptian obelisk as the gnomon, or shadow-casting indicator, of the Solarium Augusti. The sundial stood in the Campus Martius.
When did Augustus bring the Montecitorio Obelisk to Rome?
Augustus brought it from Heliopolis to Rome in 10 BCE. It was one of several Egyptian monuments transported to Rome after Egypt became part of the Roman Empire.
Where can the Montecitorio Obelisk be found today?
The obelisk stands in Piazza di Montecitorio in central Rome. The square is beside Palazzo Montecitorio, the seat of Italy's Chamber of Deputies.
What is the Montecitorio Obelisk made from?
It is made from red Egyptian granite, a durable stone commonly used for ancient obelisks. Its original Egyptian setting was Heliopolis, an important solar center.
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