The Obelisk: A Fascinating Piece of History for Primary School Students

Imagine a giant stone pillar reaching toward the sky, telling the story of ancient Egypt! That’s what an obelisk is—a tall, four-sided stone tower that has stood for thousands of years. These amazing structures were used by the Egyptians to honor their gods and show the world how powerful their rulers were.

Where Did Obelisks Come From?

The story of the obelisk starts a long time ago, during ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom, about 4,500 years ago! These monuments were called "benben" and symbolised the mound from which Egyptians believed the world was created. Because of this connection to creation, obelisks became sacred symbols.

Obelisks were often built in pairs and placed in front of temples, dedicated to the sun god Ra. The Egyptians believed that the obelisks captured the sun's rays and brought light and warmth to the earth, helping crops grow and keeping their people safe. Pharaohs, who were the kings and queens of Egypt, used these powerful structures to show their connection to the gods.

Building and Moving Obelisks: A Huge Task!

Making an obelisk was no small job! It required a lot of skill and hard work. The Egyptians used a special type of stone called granite, which they would carve from quarries, especially in a place called Aswan. Workers would spend weeks or even months carving out one giant piece of stone, shaping it into an obelisk.

But that wasn’t even the hardest part! After the obelisk was carved, it had to be moved to its final destination. Since there were no cars or trucks back then, workers used wooden sledges and even animals to pull the massive stone over land. They had to be very careful as sometimes, the obelisks would crack or break during the journey!

Famous Obelisks Around the World

Some of these ancient obelisks are still standing today, not just in Egypt, but all over the world. For example, the Luxor Obelisk, which originally stood at the Temple of Luxor in Egypt, now stands in Paris, France. Another famous obelisk, called Cleopatra’s Needle, can be found on the banks of the Thames River in London.

The Obelisk’s Influence Today

Obelisks are so impressive that even today, people around the world use them to mark important places or honor great people. The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., is one of the most famous modern obelisks, standing tall as a symbol of American history and achievement.

In classrooms or during visits to museums, learning about obelisks can give students a fun way to explore ancient Egypt and discover how people thousands of years ago used creativity and strength to build something that still stands today. It’s like looking into the past through a giant stone window!