Aswan obelisk weighs ~1,200 tons, >2x the 500-ton ship limit. The 2.6x multiplier is wrong—it's ~2.2x. Video mentions 2023 paper, Lateran Obelisk, cranes.
Unfinished Obelisk Weight Exceeds Ancient Egyptian Transport Capability
Site mentioned
📍 Aswan, Quarry (north)🌍 Show on the globe
Key facts
- The unfinished obelisk weighs approximately 1,200 tons
- The Lateran Obelisk weighs around 455 tons and took several decades to complete
- Evidence indicates best ancient Egyptian ships could transport up to 500 tons
- The unfinished obelisk is 2.6 times heavier than maximum ancient transport capacity
- A 2023 paper found dolerite pounding was inadequate for excavating the obelisk
- No chisel marks found in the trench supporting alternative methods
- Modern Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1 crane (2007) has 1,200 ton lifting capacity
Sources
link.springer.com
Linked in video description
link.springer.com
Linked in video description
nature.com
Linked in video description
old.capeannmuseum.org
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