Why is the Unfinished Obelisk unfinished?

Why is the Unfinished Obelisk unfinished?

• Sep 04, 2023

The Unfinished Obelisk: A Monumental Enigma

Nestled in the ancient quarries of Aswan, the Unfinished Obelisk is a colossal marvel, captivating all who lay eyes upon it. Its mammoth proportions and unfinished state beckon us to explore the story behind this ambitious project that has remained incomplete for over three thousand years and until now visitors on their Egypt tours see the unfinished obelisk still unfinished and gather different reasons together.

The Unfinished Obelisk is nothing short of monumental. If completed, it would have stood at an astonishing height of 137 feet (42 meters) and weighed around 1,168 tons. To put this into perspective, that's more than ten times the weight of a blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. Add the unfinished Obelisk to your Egypt travel packages plan and see how its huge size will surprise you. During Aswan Day tours our tour guide will accompany you to the Unfinished Obelisk to tell you the mysteries behind this object.

This massive obelisk was carved from a single piece of red granite, a feat that showcases the unparalleled skill and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian stone masons. The Unfinished Obelisk is located in the granite quarries of Aswan, which were the primary source of the granite used in many ancient Egyptian monuments, including the pyramids, you will recognize the rocks yourself during your visit to Egypt tours from USA. Although incomplete, the obelisk still bears the marks of the tools used to shape it, providing valuable insights into the ancient quarrying and sculpting techniques. The Unfinished Obelisk offers a window into the construction methods of ancient Egypt and sheds light on the ambition of its rulers, particularly Queen Hatshepsut, who commissioned its creation, visit it with our Egypt classic tours from USA and learn more about the Unfinished Obelisk secrets.

Ancient Engineering of Unfinished Obelisk

To understand why the Unfinished Obelisk remains incomplete, we must journey back to the time of its conception and explore the challenges faced by the ancient craftsmen who undertook this monumental task, our tour guide will tell you the story from scratch in our guided Egypt luxury tours from USA.

Queen Hatshepsut's Ambition

The Unfinished Obelisk is believed to have been commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most famous female pharaohs, who ruled during the 15th century BCE. Her reign was marked by a fervent desire to leave her mark on Egypt's history through ambitious construction projects such as the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan and Hatshepsut Temple that you will see in Luxor West Bank among your Luxor day tours.

Unfinished Obelisk Quarrying Process

Carving an obelisk of this size from solid granite was no small feat. The ancient Egyptians used a process that involved chiseling channels into the granite and then using wooden wedges and water to create fractures. The fractures were then expanded until the obelisk separated from the bedrock.

As the craftsmen worked diligently on the Unfinished Obelisk, a critical flaw was discovered a significant crack had formed along its length. This was a devastating setback, as any attempt to repair the crack would have compromised the structural integrity of the obelisk. We recommend enjoying our Egypt Nile Cruise tours to enjoy the Nile River and stop sailing at the amazing attractions of Luxor and Aswan, just book your Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruises.

Reasons why the Unfinished Obelisk is incomplete

The Unfinished Obelisk's fate was sealed by the irreparable crack that ran through its core. The reasons behind this flaw and the decision not to complete it reveal fascinating insights into the challenges faced by the ancient Egyptians. You will guess the reason through your visit to the Unfinished Obelisk through your Egypt day tours.

1. Geological Imperfections

The crack in the Unfinished Obelisk is believed to have been caused by an imperfection in the granite bedrock. As the craftsmen chiseled away at the granite, they discovered a vein of softer rock that led to the formation of the crack.

2. Irreparable Damage

The crack proved to be insurmountable. Attempting to repair it would have required removing a significant portion of the obelisk's mass, rendering it structurally unsound and diminishing its grandeur.

3. A Monument of Frustration

The Unfinished Obelisk serves as a tangible reminder of the challenges and disappointments faced by ancient builders. It stands as a testament to the limits of human engineering and the unpredictability of working with natural materials.

The Unfinished Obelisk Today

Despite its incomplete state, the Unfinished Obelisk offers a wealth of knowledge about ancient Egyptian quarrying techniques and the sheer ambition of the rulers of that time. Today, it stands as an open-air museum, allowing visitors in their Egypt cultural tours to step into the shoes of ancient craftsmen and marvel at their dedication.

Exploring the Unfinished Obelisk: Things to Do

Embark on our Egypt family tours from USA journey through time as you explore the vast quarry and get up close to the Unfinished Obelisk. Marvel at the sheer size of this monument and the intricate marks left by ancient tools.

Participate in workshops that offer hands-on experiences in ancient stone carving techniques during Egypt budget tours to Aswan. Feel the weight of the tools and gain a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship of the past.

Discover informative exhibits that delve into the history of the Unfinished Obelisk in your Egypt classic tours, its geological origins, and the techniques used by ancient Egyptians to carve such massive monuments.

Enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the picturesque surroundings of the quarry, where the ancient and the modern worlds coexist in harmony.

Observe the fascinating marks and channels on the obelisk's surface, evidence of the ancient craftsmen's meticulous work and the challenges they faced. Gather your family and join our Egypt family tours and learn more about different attractions.

The Unfinished Obelisk stands as a testament to human ambition and the enduring pursuit of greatness. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of ancient engineering and the humility that comes with recognizing the limits of human achievement.

Join Dynamics Travel on an Unforgettable Expedition

Dynamics Travel extends an invitation to adventurers, history enthusiasts, and curious minds alike to join us on our Egypt luxury tours journey to the Unfinished Obelisk. Stand in awe of a monument that has defied the ages and embodies the spirit of ancient Egypt's quest for eternal glory.

As we stand before the Unfinished Obelisk, we are reminded that history is not just a collection of completed monuments but also a tapestry of ambitious endeavors, challenges faced, and lessons learned. The Unfinished Obelisk offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past, witness the dedication of ancient craftsmen, and appreciate the enduring allure of Egypt's archaeological treasures. With Dynamics Travel, you can be part of this extraordinary journey into the heart of ancient engineering and ambition.