Who put the obelisk in the Vatican?

Who Put the Obelisk in the Vatican?

The iconic obelisk that graces St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City has been a subject of speculation and curiosity for centuries. Standing tall at 25.5 meters and weighing 330 tons, the obelisk is a testament to ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and engineering. But how did it end up in the heart of the Vatican? The answer lies in a captivating journey that spans thousands of years and involves ancient civilizations, skilled architects, and the might of the Roman Empire.

According to historical accounts, the obelisk was originally carved during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut in the 15th century BC. It was one of a pair created to adorn the Temple of the Sun in Heliopolis, Egypt. However, in the early first century AD, the Roman Emperor Caligula ordered the relocation of the obelisk to Rome as a symbol of his power and extravagance. The logistics of moving such a massive structure were mind-boggling, but Caligula’s determination prevailed.

With the obelisk now in Rome, it was placed in the center of the Circus of Nero, a sprawling entertainment complex. There, it stood for centuries until the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity. In 1586, Pope Sixtus V decided to move the obelisk to its current location in St. Peter’s Square, just in front of the Basilica. The task of moving the obelisk was entrusted to the renowned architect and engineer, Domenico Fontana.

Fontana faced numerous challenges during the relocation process, including the lack of modern machinery and limited knowledge of ancient engineering techniques. Despite these hurdles, he succeeded in raising the obelisk and positioning it atop a newly constructed base, where it has remained to this day. The sheer magnitude of the obelisk’s weight and the precision required for its placement make its presence in St. Peter’s Square a remarkable feat of human ingenuity.

FAQs about the Obelisk in the Vatican

1. How old is the obelisk in the Vatican?

The obelisk in the Vatican is believed to have been carved around the 15th century BC during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut in ancient Egypt.

2. How did the obelisk end up in Rome?

The obelisk was transported from Heliopolis in Egypt to Rome by the order of the Roman Emperor Caligula in the early first century AD.

3. Why was the obelisk moved to St. Peter’s Square?

Pope Sixtus V decided to relocate the obelisk to St. Peter’s Square in 1586 as a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Catholic Church.

4. Who was responsible for moving the obelisk?

The task of moving the obelisk was entrusted to the architect and engineer, Domenico Fontana, who successfully completed the relocation.

5. How was the obelisk raised and positioned in St. Peter’s Square?

Domenico Fontana employed innovative engineering techniques and a combination of human labor and pulley systems to raise the obelisk and carefully place it on its new base.

6. What are the dimensions of the obelisk?

The obelisk stands at a height of 25.5 meters (83.7 feet) and weighs approximately 330 tons.

7. Is the obelisk in the Vatican authentic?

Yes, the obelisk in the Vatican is an authentic ancient Egyptian obelisk that dates back to the 15th century BC.

8. What does the obelisk symbolize?

The obelisk is a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization and its religious beliefs. In the context of St. Peter’s Square, it represents the enduring power and influence of the Catholic Church.

9. Are there any inscriptions on the obelisk?

Yes, the obelisk bears hieroglyphic inscriptions that honor Pharaoh Hatshepsut and the sun god, Amun-Ra.

10. Has the obelisk ever been damaged or relocated again?

Since its relocation to St. Peter’s Square, the obelisk has remained in its current position and has undergone restoration and maintenance, but it has not been relocated again.

11. Are there other obelisks in Rome?

Yes, Rome is home to several obelisks, some of which were brought from Egypt during ancient times. These obelisks can be found in various locations throughout the city.

12. Why is the obelisk in Vatican City still revered today?

The obelisk in Vatican City serves as a significant historical and cultural landmark, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its presence symbolizes the rich tapestry of human history and the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations.