Cleopatra’s Needles are a pair of ancient Egyptian obelisks that now stand in London and New York City. Originally erected during Egypt’s New Kingdom period, these monumental structures represent centuries of history, cultural exchange, and engineering marvels. Despite their name, they have no direct connection to Queen Cleopatra VII, predating her reign by over a thousand years.

Origin Story

The obelisks were first crafted in Heliopolis (near modern Cairo) during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III of the 18th Dynasty. They were carved from red granite and inscribed with hieroglyphs commemorating his military victories. Later, Pharaoh Ramesses II of the 19th Dynasty added inscriptions celebrating his accomplishments.

In 13 or 12 BCE, Roman prefect Publius Rubrius Barbarus relocated the obelisks to the Caesareum of Alexandria, a temple dedicated to Julius Caesar and later associated with Ptolemaic Queen Cleopatra VII. This move was part of Roman efforts to display Egyptian monuments as symbols of their dominance. Inscriptions on Roman crabs at the obelisks’ bases, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, commemorate this event.

History in Alexandria

The obelisks stood in Alexandria for nearly two millennia, witnessing the city’s transformation under Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic rule. They endured wars, natural disasters, and gradual neglect. It is believed one obelisk toppled during the 1303 Crete earthquake, which also damaged the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

By the 17th century, European travelers began referring to the obelisks as “Cleopatra’s Needles” due to their shape and proximity to her former palace. Early accounts romanticized their association with the queen and noted their dilapidated state, inspiring antiquarians to advocate for their preservation.

Transportation to the West

London Needle

In 1819, Muhammad Ali Pasha, Egypt’s Ottoman governor, gifted one obelisk to Britain in gratitude for their help during the Napoleonic Wars. However, financial constraints delayed its transport for decades. In the 1860s, anatomist Sir William James Erasmus Wilson financed the obelisk’s journey. Using a specially designed iron cylinder, it was shipped across the Mediterranean and Atlantic in 1877, surviving storms and near disaster. The obelisk was erected on the Victoria Embankment of the River Thames in 1878.

New York Needle

The second obelisk was gifted to the United States in 1869 by Khedive Isma’il Pasha to mark American neutrality during European struggles for influence in Egypt. Elbert E. Farman, U.S. Consul General in Cairo, secured the obelisk. Its transportation was overseen by Lieutenant Commander Henry Honychurch Gorringe, who faced significant logistical challenges. After a harrowing journey, the obelisk was installed in Central Park, near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in 1881.

Significance

Cleopatra’s Needles serve as symbols of ancient Egyptian civilization and its enduring influence on global culture. The obelisks connect modern societies to Egypt’s rich history, highlighting the sophistication of ancient engineering and the importance of preserving historical artifacts.

The obelisks’ relocation during the 19th century reflects the era’s geopolitical dynamics. Their gifting by Egyptian leaders underscored Egypt’s efforts to forge alliances with Western powers during its modernization.

Transporting the massive obelisks was a testament to 19th-century ingenuity. Both journeys required overcoming monumental logistical hurdles, from custom-built transport vessels to intricate land maneuvers. These feats mirrored the engineering brilliance of their original creators.

Preservation Challenges

Exposed to modern weather and pollution, both obelisks have suffered significant wear. The London obelisk sustained additional damage during World War II from bomb debris. Preservation efforts have included studies on weathering and calls for restoration.

Scholars, including Egyptian scholar and author Zahi Hawass, have suggested repatriating the obelisks to Egypt. Such proposals highlight broader discussions on the ethical responsibility of returning cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.

Ancient Egyptian Kings of the New Kingdom and their Accomplishments

Frequently Asked Questions

Who originally inscribed the obelisks?

The obelisks were inscribed by Pharaoh Thutmose III of the 18th Dynasty and later added to by Pharaoh Ramesses II of the 19th Dynasty.

Where were the obelisks first erected, and when were they moved?

They were first erected in Heliopolis, near modern-day Cairo, and relocated to the Caesareum of Alexandria in 13 or 12 BCE by Roman prefect Publius Rubrius Barbarus.

Why are they called Cleopatra’s Needles?

Despite predating Cleopatra VII by over a thousand years, the obelisks were named after her in the 17th century due to their elegant shape and proximity to her former palace in Alexandria.

How did the obelisks end up in London and New York?

The London needle was gifted to Britain in 1819 by Muhammad Ali Pasha, and the New York needle was given to the United States in 1869 by Isma’il Pasha as diplomatic gestures.

Who were key figures involved in transporting the obelisks?

Sir William James Erasmus Wilson funded the London needle’s transport in 1877, while Lieutenant Commander Henry Honychurch Gorringe managed the New York needle’s transport in 1881.

What are the current locations of Cleopatra’s Needles?

The London needle is on the Victoria Embankment near the River Thames, and the New York needle is in Central Park, west of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What damage have the obelisks sustained over time?

Both obelisks have weathered environmental damage in their respective locations. The London obelisk also suffered minor damage during World War II from bomb debris.

What concerns have been raised about their preservation?

Scholars, including Zahi Hawass, have highlighted concerns about their deterioration and have suggested restoration or repatriation to Egypt to ensure their protection.