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Transporting the obelisk: embarkation of Cleopatras needle
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Transporting the obelisk: embarkation of Cleopatras needle
Rolling the obelisk down the Caesarium Beach at Alexandria, Egypt. Date: 1877
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Media ID 14260490
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1877 Alexandria Cleopatra Embarkation Needle Obelisk Obelisks Rolling
EDITORS COMMENTS
Transporting the Obelisk: Embarkation of Cleopatra's Needle, Alexandria, Egypt (1877) This photograph depicts an historic moment in the transportation of Cleopatra's Needle, an ancient Egyptian obelisk, from Alexandria to London. The image captures the obelisk being carefully rolled down Caesarium Beach, with the magnificent Mediterranean Sea in the background. The obelisk, which stands at approximately 22 meters tall, was originally erected in Alexandria during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III around 1450 BC. It was later moved to Heliopolis during the Roman period and eventually ended up at Alexandria, where it remained for over 1,500 years. In 1877, under the auspices of the British Museum and with the support of the Egyptian Khedive, the obelisk was dismantled and transported to England. The process of moving the obelisk was a complex and meticulous operation. The stone was first carefully dismantled into 12 sections, each weighing around 27 tons. These sections were then transported by ship to England, where they were reassembled in London's Victoria Embankment Gardens. The photograph shows the obelisk being prepared for embarkation at Alexandria. The image reveals the intricate process of rolling the obelisk down the beach, with the help of a large wooden sled and teams of workers. The buildings and other structures in the background provide a sense of scale and context, highlighting the impressive size and weight of the ancient monument. This photograph is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a unique perspective on the transportation of one of Egypt's most iconic treasures. It is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the people involved in the project and a reminder of the rich history and cultural significance of ancient Egypt.
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