Ancient site · Cairo
Obelisk of Senusret I
A 21 m red granite obelisk, believed to be the oldest surviving obelisk in the world and the main remnant of ancient Heliopolis.
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The story
Heliopolis, or Iunu, was a major city of ancient Egypt and an important religious centre, and one of the oldest in the country. Little survives today because its temples were scavenged to build medieval Cairo. The main remnant is the obelisk raised by Senusret I of the Twelfth Dynasty for the Temple of Ra-Atum, which still stands in its original position in Matariya. The Romans carried other obelisks away from Heliopolis, and two smaller ones known as Cleopatra's Needles, now in London and New York, also came from there.
Good to know
- The red granite obelisk is about 21 m high and weighs about 120 tons.
- It is believed to be the oldest surviving obelisk in the world and remains in its original position.