Obelisk of Ark

Obelisk of Ark
Michel Ravassard · CC BY-SA 3.0 igo

The Obelisk of Axum is a 4th-century CE monument standing 24 metres (79 ft) tall and weighing 160 tonnes[1]. Made of phonolite stone in the ancient city of Axum, it features two false doors at its base and decorations resembling windows on all sides[1]. The obelisk ends in a semi-circular top which was originally enclosed by metal frames[1]. One of the largest surviving stelae from the ancient world, it represents the engineering and artistic achievement of the Aksumite civilization[1].

TypeMonument
Period500 BC - 1 AD
CountryEthiopia
Coordinates14.1339° N, 38.7208° E

More sites in Ethiopia

Obelisk of Axum · King Ezana's Stele · Tomb of Ramhai · Granite Thrones of Judges of Axum · Dungur Palace (Queen of Sheba Palace) · Gudit Stelae Field · Axum · Great Yeha Temple of the Moon · Lalibela

All sites in Ethiopia

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