what is an obelisk

An obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument which ends in a pyramid-like shape or pyramidion at the top. It is a celebratory monument originating from ancient Egypt and was originally called tekhenu in ancient Egyptian. The Greeks used the Greek term obeliskos to describe them, and the name obelisk comes from the Greek word obelos, meaning “spit, nail, pointed pillar”. Ancient obelisks were monolithic structures, meaning they were made from one piece of stone, and were created in pairs for the entrance of temples. The shape of the obelisk is associated with the ancient Egyptian god of the sun, Ra, and most ancient obelisks feature hieroglyphic carvings on all four sides that are dedicated to Ra and the ruler who erected the monument. The obelisk was a reverential monument for Egyptians, commemorating the dead, representing their kings, and honoring their gods. The obelisk continued to be a popular monument for its striking yet simple design, even after the end of ancient civilizations. Some of the most iconic landmarks in the world are a version of the ancient invention, such as the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C..