What was Queen Hatshepsut obelisk used for?
The dual obelisks were raised in honor of a great king’s accomplishments (or, in the case of Hatshepsut, a great queen), but also served to honor the gods or, more often, a specific god.
What is the origin of the obelisk?
Obelisks, or tekhenu to ancient Egyptians, first appeared in Old Kingdom Egypt (2649-2150 BCE) in around 2300 BCE. These structures, characterized by a four-sided square base that tapered into an isosceles pyramidion at the top, initially symbolized rebirth, and were used as funerary monuments.
What did pharaoh Hatshepsut build?
As pharaoh, Hatshepsut undertook ambitious building projects, particularly in the area around Thebes. Her greatest achievement was the enormous memorial temple at Deir el-Bahri, considered one of the architectural wonders of ancient Egypt.
Why did Hatshepsut erect obelisks?
15 Finally, Hatshepsut ordained the erection of four obelisks in the temple of Amun at Karnak in order to make public her actions of government and to reinforce her legitimacy to rule.
When was the first obelisk built?
The earliest surviving obelisk dates from the reign of Sesostris I (1918–1875 bce) and stands at Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo, where once stood a temple to Re.
What pharaoh built the obelisk?
The obelisk was erected by either Ashurnasirpal I (1050–1031 BCE) or Ashurnasirpal II (883–859 BCE).
Where was the first obelisk built?
Heliopolis
The earliest surviving obelisk dates from the reign of Sesostris I (1918–1875 bce) and stands at Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo, where once stood a temple to Re.
What is an obelisk a symbol of?
In Egyptian mythology, the obelisk symbolized the sun god Ra, and during the religious reformation of Akhenaten it was said to have been a petrified ray of the Aten, the sundisk.
What made Hatshepsut famous?
Why is Hatshepsut so famous? Hatshepsut was a female king of Egypt (reigned in her own right c. 1473–58 BCE) who attained unprecedented power for a woman, adopting the full titles and regalia of a pharaoh.
What was the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut made of?
Limestone
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
| History | |
|---|---|
| Material | Limestone, sandstone, granite |
| Founded | c. 15th century BC |
| Periods | Late Bronze Age I |
| Cultures | Egyptian, Coptic |
What is written on Hatshepsut obelisk?
As long as the sky is there and his work is steady, I shall be forever like the star that does not end. I shall reign in the other life like Aten. As for the two great obelisks, I have made them of electrum for my father Amun, for my name to last forever in this temple.
What is an Egyptian obelisk?
obelisk, tapered monolithic pillar, originally erected in pairs at the entrances of ancient Egyptian temples. The Egyptian obelisk was carved from a single piece of stone, usually red granite from the quarries at Aswān.