An obelisk is a four sided single piece of stone standing upright , gradually tapering as it rises and ending in a small pyramid called a “pyramidion . ”
Obelisks always attracted attention by their polish , their decoration , and above all their lofty height . Whether they are still standing in their original places in egypt or adoring a square in another country .
They were signs of victory to the ancient Egyptian , and the inscriptions carved on them record the titles and achievements of the Pharaohs .
Obelisks known in the sacred ancient Egyptian language as benben or Tekhenu . When the Greek became interested in
Egypt
, obelisks attracted their attention and they gave the name “obeliskos” from which the modern name is derived . In Arabic the term is Messalah , which means a large patching needle and it has a reference to the object’s form .
Obelisks are impressive not only for their lofty size and graceful form , but also for their marvelous polish and beautiful decoration . No one can deny that the Egyptians were very skillful in producing such wonders with relatively primitive techniques .
The pharaohs used to make obelisks of granite and specially the larger ones . A few were made of quartzite and basalt . Granite whether red or black is found in Egypt only in
the area around Aswan . The most important quarries were those of the island of
Elephantine
and Seheil , those near the unfinished obelisk , and those in shellal opposite the island of Philae .
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