The Lateran Obelisk
The Lateran Obelisk is a towering monument with a remarkable history spanning over three millennia. It stands as a testament to ancient engineering, religious significance, and the shifting powers of empires. Today, it holds the title of the largest standing ancient Egyptian obelisk globally and the tallest in Italy.
The Lateran obelisk currently situated opposite the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.
Origins in Ancient Egypt
The obelisk was commissioned during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III (c. 1479–1425 BC), one of Egypt’s greatest warrior-kings. Initially intended to honor his achievements and his father, Pharaoh Thutmose III began work on two massive obelisks. However, the construction of these monuments was not completed during his lifetime. His grandson, Thutmose IV (c. 1400–1390 BC), finalized the project decades later.
The Lateran Obelisk was originally erected at the temple of Amun in Karnak, standing as a grand symbol of devotion to the gods. Thutmose IV’s inscriptions on the obelisk detail the long delay in its completion, noting how the structure had lain unfinished for 35 years before he resumed and completed the task.
When completed, the obelisk measured 32 meters (105 feet) in height, making it the tallest in Egypt at the time. Its monumental scale and intricate inscriptions celebrated the power and divine authority of the pharaohs.
Bust of Thutmose IV
Journey to the Roman Empire
Centuries after its creation, the obelisk’s journey began anew. In the early 4th century AD, Constantine I, the first Christian Roman emperor, ordered the obelisk to be moved to Alexandria as part of his vision to incorporate elements of ancient grandeur into his empire. However, the obelisk remained in Alexandria until Constantine’s son, Constantius II, decided to transport it to Rome in 357 AD during his sole visit to the city.
Constantius II intended the obelisk to decorate the Circus Maximus, a massive chariot racing stadium in Rome. Its arrival marked an extraordinary engineering feat, as the obelisk was shipped across the Mediterranean and transported into the heart of the city. It was erected alongside another Egyptian obelisk, the Flaminio, which had been installed earlier by Emperor Augustus.
Collapse and Burial at the Circus Maximus
Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, the Circus Maximus fell into disuse. Over time, the obelisk collapsed, either due to neglect or a natural disaster, and was buried under layers of mud and debris. A small stream running through the site contributed to the accumulation of sediment, hiding the obelisk for centuries.
By the late Middle Ages, portions of the obelisk began to resurface. Some fragments were uncovered as early as the 14th and 15th centuries, but the monument remained mostly buried until the Renaissance era.
Rediscovery and Restoration
The rediscovery of the Lateran Obelisk occurred during the papacy of Pope Sixtus V in the late 16th century. As part of his campaign to restore and Christianize ancient Roman monuments, Sixtus V initiated a major excavation effort in 1587. The obelisk was unearthed in three large fragments.
Domenico Fontana, a renowned architect of the time, was tasked with restoring and re-erecting the obelisk. The restoration process involved meticulous repairs, reducing the obelisk’s height by 4 meters (13 feet) due to damage incurred during its collapse. The original weight of 413 tonnes (455 short tons) was also reduced to approximately 300 tonnes (330 short tons).
A closer view of the Lateran Obelisk.
Installation at Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano
On 9 August 1588, the restored obelisk was installed in its current location near the Lateran Palace and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, one of Rome’s most prominent Christian sites. This placement symbolized the triumph of Christianity over paganism, aligning with Pope Sixtus V’s broader agenda.
The obelisk’s pedestal was adorned with inscriptions recounting its journey from Egypt to Rome. A Christian cross was added to the top, signifying its transformation from a pagan symbol of ancient Egypt to a Christian monument. This event marked the Lateran Obelisk as the last ancient Egyptian obelisk to be erected in Rome.
The site of its installation had historical significance as well. Previously, the location housed an equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, which had been moved to the Piazza del Campidoglio in 1538. The obelisk thus inherited a space of prominence and prestige in the heart of Rome.
Historical Inscriptions and Legacy
The inscriptions on the obelisk reveal details of its history, from its origins in Karnak to its restoration under Pope Sixtus V. Notably, the inscription of Thutmose IV emphasizes the obelisk’s completion and dedication to the gods, while the base added during its restoration celebrates the Christianization of the monument.
During its time in the Circus Maximus, the obelisk was also inscribed with an epigram commemorating its transportation and dedication under Constantius II. These texts serve as historical records, highlighting the obelisk’s symbolic and political importance across cultures and eras.
Architectural and Cultural Significance
The Lateran Obelisk stands today as a bridge between ancient Egypt and modern Rome. Its monumental scale and engineering complexity continue to inspire admiration, while its layered history reflects the interplay of religion, politics, and culture over millennia.
In ancient Egypt, obelisks were seen as symbols of the sun god Ra and the pharaoh’s divine authority. When adopted by Rome, these monuments became trophies of conquest and cultural assimilation. The Lateran Obelisk, in particular, demonstrates how symbols can be reinterpreted to align with changing ideologies. By capping it with a Christian cross, Pope Sixtus V redefined the obelisk’s meaning, making it a representation of Christian triumph over pagan traditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally created the Lateran Obelisk?
Pharaoh Thutmose III began its creation around 1400 BC in Karnak, Egypt, and his grandson Thutmose IV completed it.
Statue of Thutmose III
How tall was the obelisk originally?
It originally stood at 32 meters (105 feet), making it the tallest obelisk in Egypt.
Who brought the obelisk to Rome?
Roman Emperor Constantius II transported the obelisk to Rome in AD 357 during his visit and erected it at the Circus Maximus.
Why did the obelisk collapse?
It collapsed sometime after the Circus Maximus was abandoned in the 5th century and became buried under mud and debris.
When was the obelisk excavated and restored?
Pope Sixtus V ordered its excavation and restoration in 1587. Architect Domenico Fontana re-erected it in 1588.
What modifications were made during its restoration?
It was shortened by 4 meters (13 feet), topped with a Christian cross, and inscriptions were added to detail its history.
