Unfinished Obelisk
Aswān
The Unfinished Obelisk, located in the northern region of Aswan's ancient stone quarries, is the largest known ancient obelisk, measuring approximately 42 meters in length and weighing an estimated 1,168 tonnes if completed. Commissioned possibly by Queen Hatshepsut in the 15th century BC for the Temple of Amun at Karnak, the obelisk was carved directly out of pink granite bedrock. However, cracks appeared during its creation, causing the project to be abandoned, leaving the obelisk still attached to the bedrock. This site provides exceptional insights into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques, with visible tool marks and ochre lines showing where workers labored. The quarry itself forms an open-air museum, preserving unfinished obelisks and bases, and is protected as an archaeological site. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 as part of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship and scale of ancient Egyptian engineering while learning about the significance of obelisks in Egyptian solar mythology and royal dedications.
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Tipp: Visitors are advised to visit the site in the morning to avoid the midday heat in Aswan. Tickets can be purchased on-site, with discounted rates available for students and Egyptian nationals. Advance booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended as the site is outdoors. Guided tours are available to enrich understanding of the quarry's historical context and the obelisk's significance.
Interessante Fakten
- •If finished, the obelisk would have been about one-third larger than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk ever erected.
- •The obelisk remains attached to the bedrock, providing a rare view of ancient stone-carving techniques.
- •Tool marks and ochre-colored lines are still visible on the obelisk, showing where ancient workers labored.
- •The quarry site contains other unfinished obelisks and bases, forming an open-air museum.
- •The pink granite used was highly prized in ancient Egypt and sourced exclusively from Aswan quarries.
Geschichte
The Unfinished Obelisk dates back to the reign of Queen Hatshepsut (c.
1473–1458 BC) and was intended for the Temple of Amun at Karnak.
During its carving, cracks appeared in the granite, leading to abandonment of the project.
The site remained buried under sand for millennia until rediscovered in the early 20th century and studied in detail by Reginald Engelbach in 1922.
The quarry and obelisk are now part of a protected archaeological area and were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, recognizing their cultural and historical significance.
Ortsführer
The Unfinished Obeliskc. 1473–1458 BC
This massive pink granite obelisk is partially carved out of the bedrock and remains attached at its base. Visitors can observe the visible cracks that halted its completion and the tool marks left by ancient workers.
Ancient Quarry SiteAncient Egypt period
The surrounding quarry area includes other unfinished obelisks and bases, as well as rock carvings. The site offers a unique open-air museum experience illustrating ancient Egyptian stone-working methods.
