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Obelisk of Thutmose I: A Towering Testament to Ancient Power

Witness the Obelisk of Thutmose I at Karnak Temple, a towering monument to ancient Egyptian power and architectural skill, adorned with hieroglyphic stories.

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The Obelisk of Thutmose I, a massive red granite monolith, stands within the Karnak Temple complex in Luxor, Egypt, as a symbol of ancient Egyptian power and architectural prowess. Erected during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose I (1506–1493 BC), it's adorned with hieroglyphs that narrate the pharaoh's achievements and divine favor.

A brief summary to Obelisk of Thutmose I

  • PM95+982, Luxor, Karnak, Luxor Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the obelisk and its surroundings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking through the expansive Karnak Temple complex.
  • Stay hydrated and carry water, especially if you plan to explore the site during the hotter months.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Luxor Temple, head northeast along the Corniche (the riverbank road) towards Karnak Temple. It's about a 3 km walk that takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Once you reach Karnak, enter through the main entrance, and follow the signs to the Obelisk of Thutmose I, which is located within the temple complex. Entry to the Karnak Temple complex is 600 EGP.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Luxor. A taxi ride from Luxor city center or Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple is a short trip, approximately 3 km, and should take about 10 minutes. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey; a typical fare should be around 20-30 EGP. Upon arrival at Karnak Temple, pay the entrance fee of 600 EGP to access the complex and the Obelisk of Thutmose I.

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Discover more about Obelisk of Thutmose I

Located within the vast Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor, the Obelisk of Thutmose I is a striking symbol of ancient Egyptian ingenuity and reverence for its rulers. Erected during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose I (1506–1493 BC), this majestic granite monument soars to a height of approximately 21.7 meters (71 feet) and weighs around 143 tons. It is one of the oldest and tallest obelisks still standing in Egypt, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and ambition of the New Kingdom era. The obelisk's surface is covered with intricately carved hieroglyphs, a script that blends pictorial symbols with phonetic elements, serving both decorative and communicative purposes. These inscriptions are a testament to Thutmose I's reign, extolling his virtues, military victories, and divine favor. The hieroglyphs include the pharaoh's royal titulary—his full set of names and titles—which link him to the gods and affirm his legitimacy as a ruler. Alongside these are depictions of offerings to Amun-Ra, the chief deity worshipped at Karnak, reflecting the obelisk's role as a bridge between the earthly and divine realms. In ancient times, obelisks held profound significance beyond their architectural splendor. Often erected in pairs at the entrances of temples, they were believed to harness solar energy, symbolizing the sun god Ra and his life-giving power. The Obelisk of Thutmose I, positioned within the sacred precinct of Karnak, served as a monumental record of the pharaoh's great deeds—his campaigns to expand Egypt's borders, his consolidation of power, and his contributions to the temple itself. The obelisk remains a powerful link to Egypt's past, its hieroglyphs depicting tales of a pharaoh's glory and a civilization's devotion to eternity.

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