Video from Smarthistory
The New York Obelisk, Cleopatra's Needle
"The New York Obelisk (Cleopatra's Needle) c. 1425 B.C.E. (erected at the Temple of the Sun, Heliopolis, Egypt, re-erected in Alexandria 13 B.C.E.), red granite from Aswan, c. 71 feet high (since 1881 Greywacke Knoll, Central Park, New York City)
speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Macaulay and Dr. Steven Zucker" from the video introduction
Cleopatra’s Needle: The Story Behind Three Awe-Inspiring Obelisks
"Cleopatra’s Needle is the name shared by three ancient Egyptian obelisks – one in New York City, one in London, and one in Paris. However, each comes from a different Egyptian site and none may have actually been built in honor of Queen Cleopatra. Although their stories are often overlooked, each monument has volumes to say about human history, both ancient and modern.
Obelisks - Megalithic Constructions
The obelisks were named in honor of Cleopatra because of her famed beauty and connections to well-known Romans. Plus, the name had a certain glamorous ring to it. The obelisks in New York and London are made of red granite from the quarries of Aswan, with each stone weighing approximately 224 tons. These obelisks were constructed in 1450 BC in the city of Heliopolis for the Pharaoh Thutmose III (1481-1425 BC). They are 68 feet (21m) tall.
The obelisk in Paris, on the other hand, is also known as the Luxor Obelisk and it is made of yellow granite. Constructed about 3,000 years ago, it was originally situated outside the Luxor Temple in Egypt, where its twin still remains. The Paris obelisk is 75 feet (23m) tall and weighs over 250 tons. All three obelisks are inscribed with hieroglyphs glorifying Ramses II.." from the article: Cleopatra’s Needle: The Story Behind Three Awe-Inspiring Obelisks
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