Explore Unfinished Obelisk at Aswan

Aswan’s Unfinished Obelisk stands as a remarkable testament to ancient Egypt’s engineering prowess. 

Though intended to be the world’s tallest obelisk, it remains incomplete due to budget constraints. 

In this exploration, we’ll uncover how these monumental structures were crafted during the early years of Hatshepsut’s reign in Egypt’s New Kingdom.

The History of Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, begun during Queen Hatshepsut’s reign in the 18th Dynasty, was intended to complement the Lateran Obelisk at Karnak Temple.

Made from pink granite, it stands 11 meters tall and weighs over 90 tons, featuring reliefs of Hatshepsut with Amun. 

Planned to reach 42 meters and weigh 1200 tons, construction halted due to cracks in the stone. 

This unfinished masterpiece provides valuable insight into ancient Egyptian engineering and their use of granite.

Importance of the Unfinished Obelisk

The unfinished obelisk at aswan provides invaluable insights into the structure and design of the ancient egypt egyptian obelisk.

Through studying the markings that appear on the exterior of the Unfinished Obelisk, archaeologists have discovered a lot about the way that the ancient Egyptians built this massive structure.

This has allowed us to understand their abilities in the field of engineering and construction. 

The process of creating the obelisk required several key steps, such as:

• The obelisk was made out of a massive block of red granite that was taken from the quarry with copper tools.
• The workers carefully cut the stone, as well as the marks that remain, demonstrating the way they smoothed and cut the stone.
• The obelisk was never completed. There were plans to move it. However, this will have needed special methods to handle such an object.
• The cracks of the stones halted the work and gave us a lesson about the challenges encountered when building the structure.

Who founded the Unfinished Obelisk monument?

The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan was discovered in the late 19th century by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette.

Mariette is a well-known figure for his important contribution to Egyptology was instrumental in playing a key part in identifying and documenting various ancient Egyptian artifacts as well as monuments, such as the unfinished obelisk at aswan.

His discoveries revealed the amazing workmanship and techniques used by the early Egyptians and provided valuable insight into their history and culture.

What is the Unfinished Obelisk made of?

It is believed that the Unfinished Obelisk is made from only one piece of granite extracted at the Gebel el-Silsila quarry.

It is an igneous stone composed mostly of feldspar and quartz and feldspar, but also a small number of amphiboles, mica, as well as other minerals.

The granite used in the unfinished obelisk at Aswan was likely sourced from the quarry due to its proximity and high quality.

The granite used in this Unfinished Obelisk was likely chosen because of its durability and strength.

The shade of granite used to construct an Unfinished Obelisk ranges from light gray to dark gray, with certain areas showing reddish hues because of deposits of iron oxide within the stone.

The Unfinished Obelisk was carved using primitive tools, such as the hammers and chisels that were made from bronze and copper alloys.

The artisans would have needed to be cautious to not damage the stone while carving intricate details, such as hieroglyphics, or other symbols.

Despite the efforts of the workers, cracks started appearing in the stone as they were working which ultimately resulted in its removal prior to the stone being completed.

Visitors today can observe signs of these cracks appearing on the outside on the Unfinished Obelisk that are believed to have been caused by seismic activity or fluctuations in temperature with time.

Although it isn’t finished the obelisk still reaches its highest point of 42 metres 138 feet, this makes it among the biggest obelisks built by the ancient Egyptians and is an evidence of their mastery in art even in the present day.

What does the Unfinished Obelisk symbolize?

The unfinished obelisk at Aswan has been an attraction for many people throughout the years.

The unfinished obelisk at Aswan has come to symbolize a myriad of things over the course of time.

For some, it’s an indication of how excellent projects may go incomplete due to unforeseeable circumstances or technical issues.

It is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that despite all the ambition and determination, some things can be out of our control and can’t be accomplished regardless of how you attempt.

For some, for others, the unfinished obelisk at aswan symbolizes resilience and determination even in the face of hardship.

Although it is not finished, it is still standing high and proud as an ode to all the people who were involved in its construction and the dedication they put into completing their mission, regardless of what obstacles they had to overcome in the process.

It is also an instance of, even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can keep going and progress towards our goals if we stay determined and focused.

The unfinished obelisk at aswan also serves as an illustration of the fact that the failures of life are not ever permanent or irreparable.

The unfinished obelisk at aswan is a great example that even when something appears impossible or unattainable it is possible to still the possibility of success if you are willing to give it another shot or see things from a different perspective.

It serves as a reminder that sometimes, progress is a result of trials and errors rather than getting it right in the first attempt and can be applied to all aspects of our lives in the present.

How heavy is the cracked granite Unfinished Obelisk?

Cracked granite unfinished obelisk in Egypt is believed to weigh around 1.200 tons or 1.2 million kilograms.

Its massive mass makes this one of the biggest known ancient obelisks found in Egypt.

The entrance fee to see the Unfinished Obelisk

The fees for admission to archaeological sites and monuments may be subject to change. 

It’s therefore an excellent idea to keep track of the most current information or call the appropriate authorities, like the Ministry of Tourism or local tourism offices in Aswan, for the most current and accurate information on the costs for entry. 

We ,at Egypt Hero Tours, provide a tour through the Unfinished Obelisk, which includes tickets, a private transfer, and a knowledgeable guide to ensure an enjoyable and pleasant experience.

Best time to visit the Unfinished Obelisk

The ideal moment to visit the Unfinished Obelisk at Aswan, Egypt, is during the cooler months between October through April.

The temperatures are less extreme and range from mid 20s to the low thirty’s Celsius 70s up to 80s F and are easier to enjoy excursions and sightseeing.

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Reserve your High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Private Tour

Egypt Hero Tours can create the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Phila Private Tour simple and fun, creating memories that you will never forget.

• Visit the most famous Aswan landmarks, including High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple Egypt all in only one day.
• You can enjoy an organized High Dam, unfinished obelisk in aswan egypt and Phila Private Tour specifically for your group.
• Discover fascinating facts and stories from Egypt’s ancient history by booking a trip with a knowledgeable guide.
• We can organize everything, from tickets to vehicles for private use, as well as lunch at a great restaurant.
• Explore the vast High Dam and the enigmatic Unfinished Obelisk and the stunning Philae Temple to get an unforgettable experience you’ll never forget.
• Take a private vehicle to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable tour.
• All the essential elements to create a memorable and exciting day of fun and memories are provided to create an unforgettable adventure.

Why was the Hatshepsut obelisk unfinished?

The project, however, was never completed. The historians believe there were several reasons behind this.

The most important explanation is the fact that this could be a too large project for the time. The ancient Egyptians had no access to the latest technology and tools that would make a huge-scale task much more manageable to finish.

Additionally, granite is a hard stone that could have made the process of carving an Obelisk harder than it is today.

The Unfinished Obelisk, located in Aswan, is still incomplete because of structural cracks in the stone that made the work extremely risky. Furthermore, political considerations, including Thutmose III’s unwillingness to carry on Queen Hatshepsut’s plans, could have led to its demise. 

The monument that was never completed remains one of the most important Egyptian mysteries of the past.

Is the Unfinished Obelisk worth visiting?

Yes, the unfinished obelisk at Aswan is an extremely fascinating archeological discovery found in Egypt.

It is located in the renowned granite quarries in southern Aswan and provides valuable information about the stone-working techniques from the time of ancient Egypt.

Is it safe to visit the Unfinished Obelisk?

The unfinished obelisk at aswan is generally regarded as safe to visit, But, it’s important to be cautious and adhere to the common-sense safety guidelines when traveling to any location.

Here are some suggestions to help ensure your safety:

• Be informed of the latest local information and advice from your Embassy
• Get directions from local authorities or tour guides.
• Pick a licensed taxi or trusted travel agencies for transport.
• Make sure your valuables are secured and stay away from the crowded areas to stop the thief
• Be aware of local customs as well as dress code, in particular at sacred places.

Ready to explore Aswan’s wonders? Reserve your High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Phila Private Tour 2025