OBELISK AT BOBOLI GARDENS

According to the scholar's research, it turns out this obelisk is one of the pair, the companion is currently at the site of the Terme di Diocleziano, Rome. This obelisk was discovered underground at the site of current "Chiesa di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva" sometime before 1600. The site was the important temple in the Roman Empire Era, Iseum (the Temple of Isis) had been there. Therefore, this obelisk would probably used for Iseum. According to the inscription, this was erected at Heliopolis by Ramses II. In 19th century (1883), another pair of this obelisk was found at the same site. That is now at the site of "Terme di Diocleziano (Diocletian's Baths), where is near to the Roma's "Stazione di Termini" (Termine Station). Although there is no record when this was transported from Heliopolis, but it would probably be in 1st century. Excavated obelisk was once erected in the garden of the "Villa Medici" (Medici House) in Rome. Then it was moved again to the current location, Boboli Gardens in Florence when the Medici needed garden ornaments their in 1790. A copy that they commissioned now stands in the Villa Medici garden. The obelisk is placed at the center of Greek-style "Amfiteatro" (Amphitheatre), just behind the "Palazzo Pitti" (Pitti Palace). The site is the best location in the Garden, but little people pay attention to this obelisk.

Stats:

Location: Boboli Gardens [Giardini di Boboli], Florence [Firenze], Italy

Pharaoh: Ramses II (The 19th Dynasty, reigned B.C. 1304-1237)

Height: 4.87 meters

Weight: ?? tones

Stone: Red granite

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