description Luxor Obelisk Overview
The Luxor Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian monument crafted from granite. It was originally located within Luxor Temple dating back to approximately 1300 BC. Transported to Paris in the 19th century, it now stands prominently in Place de la Concorde. The obelisk’s remarkable preservation and journey make it a significant artifact for Egyptologists, historians, and anyone interested in ancient Egyptian civilization and its impact on European culture.
help Luxor Obelisk FAQ
How did the Luxor Obelisk get from Egypt to Paris?
The obelisk was gifted to France by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the ruler of Egypt, in the early 19th century as a diplomatic gesture. Transporting it required a specially built ship called the Luxor, and the journey took several years before it was erected in the Place de la Concorde in 1836.
How tall is the Luxor Obelisk in the Place de la Concorde?
The obelisk stands about 23 meters (75 feet) tall and weighs approximately 250 tons. It is made of pink granite and was originally one of a pair that stood at the entrance of the Luxor Temple.
What happened to the matching obelisk that stayed in Luxor?
The matching obelisk remains at the Luxor Temple in Egypt to this day. France officially relinquished its claim to the second obelisk in the 1980s, and it is still in its original position flanking the temple entrance.
Are the hieroglyphs on the Luxor Obelisk in Paris still visible?
Yes, the hieroglyphic inscriptions are still clearly visible on all four sides of the shaft. They date to the reign of Ramesses II, who ruled during the 19th Dynasty of Egypt, making the carvings over 3,000 years old.
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