Obelisk of Thutmose I — Attraction in Old Karnak

The obelisk of Thutmose I at Karnak Temple is one of the oldest and most important obelisks still standing in the complex. Thutmose I, the third pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty, reigned around 1506–1493 BCE and expanded Karnak significantly to emphasize the growing power of the cult of Amun. His obelisk, carved from red granite quarried in Aswan, was dedicated to Amun-Re, the chief deity of Thebes, and served both as a religious offering and a political statement of the king’s authority. Rising to about 23 meters in height and weighing over 140 tons, it was erected in the great court of the temple, towering above other structures of the time and visible from afar as a solar symbol. The inscriptions carved into its surface record Thutmose I’s devotion to Amun and his achievements as king, linking his earthly reign with divine approval.

This obelisk was part of a set, but unlike many others, one of the pair has survived intact through thousands of years of earthquakes, floods, and human interference. It became an enduring marker of the pharaoh’s presence at Karnak, long after his other building works were overshadowed by later rulers. The obelisk’s sharp lines, tapering shape, and pyramidal top were designed to capture the rays of the sun, connecting the monument to solar worship and renewal. Its survival today makes it not only a significant piece of ancient Egyptian engineering but also a vital record of one of the early rulers who helped shape Karnak into the vast temple complex it...

The Obelisk of Thutmosis1, is an integral part of the Karnak Temple Complex. Though the story behind it is a thrilling as any modern potboiler. The obelisks are visible in the Inner Temple, just beyond the Hypostyle Hall, in the Courtyard of the Hypostyle Hall of Thutmosis3. In spite of the obelisk being credited to Thutmosis2, it was actually said to be built by Queen Hatshepsut. It was 1 of 2 obelisks built by her. Around 1500BC Queen Hatshepsut built 2 obelisks to honor her father Pharaoh Amun. They are about 30mts high, the tip made of an alloy of gold and silver. One still stands today, the other is broken, though some part of it lies near the sacred lake. When her son Pharaoh Thutmosis3, ascended the throne, he obliterated most of what she had constructed as he was extremely angry with her. This was because, she had taken over the throne at the death of his father, refusing to allow him to rule, claiming he was a minor. To add to this, even when he was old enough, she continued to rule till her death. So, when Thutmosis3 gained power, he went on to destroying a lot of his mother's work, all over Egypt. The whole Karnak Temple is very big and you need to wear walking shoes. Please carry water and wear a hat to cover your head. Please don't take children there, as it's too strenuous for them and neither of you will enjoy the experience. There are washrooms at the entrance complex and you can buy water, cold beverages and souvenirs in the kiosks...

The Obelisk of Thutmose I, also known as the "Unfinished Obelisk," is a remarkable ancient monument located in the northern quarries of Aswan, Egypt. Commissioned by Pharaoh Thutmose I during the New Kingdom period, the obelisk was intended to be erected at the Karnak Temple in Luxor, alongside other obelisks erected by Thutmose I and his successors.

However, the obelisk was never completed due to a significant flaw discovered during its quarrying process. A large crack formed in the granite bedrock, rendering the obelisk unusable for its intended purpose. As a result, the massive structure was abandoned in the quarry, providing archaeologists and historians with valuable insights into the techniques and methods used by ancient Egyptians to quarry and shape granite.

Despite its unfinished state, the Obelisk of Thutmose I is an impressive sight, measuring approximately 42 meters (137 feet) in length and weighing an estimated 1,168 tons. Its sheer size and the precision of its carving reflect the ambitious architectural projects undertaken by ancient Egyptian pharaohs to demonstrate their power and devotion to the gods.

Today, the Unfinished Obelisk serves as a fascinating archaeological site, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian builders. It stands as a testament to the grandeur of Egypt's ancient civilization and the enduring legacy of its monumental...