The New York Obelisk, Cleopatra's Needle

The New York Obelisk (Cleopatra's Needle) c. 1425 B.C.E. (erected at the Temple of the Sun, Heliopolis, Egypt, re-erected in Alexandria 13 B.C.E.), red granite from Aswan, c. 71 feet high (since 1881 Greywacke Knoll, Central Park, New York City)

speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Macaulay and Dr. Steven Zucker

[martijnkeisers]

I think its a rather modest location for such an amazing ancient monument. The splendor of the obelisk needs a square like in Rome and Paris.

[Sasha]

You guys never cease to surprise me, lol. I haven't seen many Egyptian pieces since the ancient art playlists, so I was immediately intrigued.
I had no idea there was an obelisk in Central Park, but of course there is. I've really gotta get up there for the accents, pizza, and architecture.
There was a ton of interesting history in this one - the efforts to move this 220-ton(!!!) object alone was fascinating to hear about.
The crab detail was mildly hilarious. I'm reminded to pay careful attention to objects around me. You never know where easter eggs may be hiding.
Speaking of hiding, the video's ending was funny too. Send that storm my way - I love them!
Another classic. ❤

[sherryzimmerman]

Gifts such as this share how Egypt or elsewhere point out how “Artwork pieces continue to PAY IT FORWARD “ to the future with SmartHistory’s excellent pairings of docents……

[evansbowen]

I go to see cleopatra needle every time I go to New York—- such a sacred space.

[Sprysage]

I’m wondering what they put into the obelisk when they reconditioned it.

[ehulbert]

There are at least a dozen in Rome, all floated across the Mediterranean by the ancient Romans.

[LandofPunt]

Why do you call it cleopatra’s needle? It was built more than 1000 years before she was alive