Obelisk of Axum, Ancient obelisk in Axum, Ethiopia
The granite monument rises 23 meters high, featuring intricate carvings of false doors and windows with detailed engravings throughout its exterior surface.
The stele marked royal burial chambers in the 4th century CE during the Kingdom of Axum, which connected trade routes between Persia and Rome.
The monument represents Ethiopian architectural expertise, demonstrating advanced engineering methods through precise stone cutting and sophisticated decorative patterns.
The Northern Stelae Field remains open to visitors year-round, with local guides available to explain the historical importance of the ancient structures.
Italian forces transported the obelisk to Rome in 1937, where it remained until 2005 before returning to its original location in Ethiopia.
Location: Axum
Inception: 300
Height: 23 m
Part of: Northern Stelae Field
GPS coordinates: 14.13217,38.71967
Latest update: June 17, 2025 18:50
South America preserves a monumental heritage that reflects centuries of history, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the contemporary era. This collection includes archaeological sites, colonial-era religious buildings, public squares, and modern artistic creations scattered across the continent. Each monument tells a part of South American history, whether it be ancient fortresses, Baroque churches, or recent sculptures. Among these sites are the Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala, a 17th-century construction that once connected two convents; the Public Market in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a functioning 19th-century commercial building; and Desert Hand in Chile, a contemporary sculpture of 11 meters rising from the Atacama Desert. The Middle of the World monument near Quito, Ecuador, marks the equator line, while the Christ of the Pacific overlooks Lima from its hill. These monuments, whether of pre-Columbian, colonial, or modern origin, provide tangible insight into the cultural and architectural development of the South American continent.
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