This obelisk is one of the pair, the companion is in Celimontana, which was originally erected in front of the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis, a northeastern suburb of current Cairo.The pair obelisks were carried to Iseum, the Temple of Isis in the ancient Rome and erected there. But it is unknown what happened after that, since the people lost the interest in the obelisk. In 14th century, this obelisk stood at the east of Santa Maria in Aracoeli on the Capitoline hill (Monte Capitolino).
In the era of Pope Clemens XI [reigned 1700-1721], it was decided to move to Piazza della Rotonda, in front of Pantheon. Then the fountain of dolphin was created and the obelisk was put on the fountain in 1711, and the star and the Christian Cross were put on the apex. The fountain was designed by Giacomo della Porta.
Stats:
Location: Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, Italy [In front of Pantheon.]
Pharaoh: Ramses II (The 19th Dynasty, reigned B.C. 1304-1237)
Height: 6.34 meters
Weight: ?? tons
1 comment:
I'm looking for a translation of the hieroglyphics on the obelisk.
Have you seen anything?
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