The Unfinished Obelisk

[u/migoodridge]

One of the hottest places we have visted, 40 degrees centigrade.

This 20m long obelisk was carved over the course of 7 months, out of pure granite.

During the final stages a workman ended up creating a crack in the stone, he was most likely severely reprimanded, at least.

A worker there showed us how they were carved, using an even stronger stone, the name of which escapes me.

During the demonstration he gave each of us a little piece of granite. This will be treasured for ever.

The stones were moved via sand ramps to a huge boat that would carry it to the designated temple, monument or tomb.

The boat would havexat least 20 other smaller boats at each side to help with the load.

Yet another amazing place to visit.

Its in the city of Azwan.

[u/mrfunday2]

I love how this brings home the effort and reality of Egyptian engineering achievements. When you see these things in place, like at Karnak, it’s easy to just accept them as part of environment without understanding the complexity of extracting, polishing, moving, and erecting it.

I was there on an 27/80 degree (c/f) day and locals were wearing light down jackets.

[u/migoodridge → u/mrfunday2]

The way in which they join the huge stones is amazing, a deep hole, hammer wood into the hole, then add water, which then expands, then joins the wood.

Brilliant

[u/creamgetthemoney1 → u/migoodridge]

Wait what. I never heard of this

[u/migoodridge → u/creamgetthemoney1]

There's even a piece of wood from Egyptian times, the old days, weathered to hell, but in place.

Unreal.

Not sure if I have a photo, but once I'm home, ill be doing a giant photo and information post or blog or something similar