ANCIENT EGYPT EXPLAINED: The Pyramid Culture of the World

I always was interested in Egypt since we made the clay model of the sphinx in elementary school. I never could understand why it was so complicated and why no one could put it together. I went through each of the pharaohs and looked up all of their structures, monuments, artifacts, tombs. I compiled a collection of pictures from the Internet and turned them into a movie so I could finally understand what was going on in ancient Egypt. I hope you find this movie to be revealing that all the cultures in the world are very similar.

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INDEX

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Pharaoh 145 RAMSES IX – KV6 Tomb

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EGYPT – AUGUST 11: Egypt, Thebes (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979) – Luxor – Valley of the Kings – Tomb of Ramses IX (KV 6) – Third passage – Detail of the frescoed ceiling representing The Egyptian Amduat: The Book of the Hidden Chamber – (Dinasty XX, Ramses IX, 1125-1107 b.C.). (Photo by S. VANNINI/De Agostini/Getty Images)
KV6 tomb of Ramses IX at the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of the Nile river off of Egypt’s southern city of Luxor, Egypt. Africa
Hieroglyphs in the Tomb of Ramesses IX, KV6 at Valley of Kings,Luxor,Egypt
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Continue ReadingPharaoh 145 RAMSES IX – KV6 Tomb

Pharaoh 142 Ramesses VI — KV9 Tomb

Book of Caverns, fifth division, scene 9: cobras guarding decapitated enemies in a cauldron.; Wall painting and relief carving in the tomb of Rameses V and Rameses VI KV9 in the Valley of the Kings at Thebes, Luxor Egypt.
Book of Caverns, fifth division, scene 9: cobras guarding decapitated enemies in a cauldron.; Wall painting and relief carving in the tomb of Rameses V and Rameses VI KV9 in the Valley of the Kings at Thebes, Luxor Egypt.
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A detail of the painting of the 6th section of the Book of Caverns on the wall of the sarcophagus hall of the tomb of Ramses VI, Egypt. Ancient Egyptian. 20th dynasty c 1143 1136 BC. Valley of Kings, West Thebes. (Photo by Werner Forman/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)
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Pharaoh 140 Ramses IV — KV2 Tomb

Luxor, Egypt – September 11, 2018: Tomb KV2 in the Valley of the Kings is the burial place of Ramesses IV
Reliefs and Murals, Tomb of Ramses IV, KV2, Valley of the Kings, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luxor, Thebes, Egypt, North Africa, Africa
Reliefs and Murals, Tomb of Ramses IV, KV2, Valley of the Kings, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luxor, Thebes, Egypt, North Africa, Africa
Sarcophagus in Burial Chamber, Tomb of Ramses IV, KV2, Valley of the Kings, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luxor, Thebes, Egypt, North Africa, Africa
Creative Commons CC by 2.0
Creative Commons CC by 2.0
Creative Commons CC by 2.0
Tomb of Ramses IV – Egypt Tours Portal
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Beautifully decorated ceiling and walls with hieroglyphics from Book of the Dead and Litany of Ra in the Tomb of Ramesses IV,KV2, in the Valley of Kings,Luxor,Egypt
Reliefs and Murals, Tomb of Ramses IV, KV2, Valley of the Kings, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luxor, Thebes, Egypt, North Africa, Africa
Sarcophagus in Burial Chamber, Tomb of Ramses IV, KV2, Valley of the Kings, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luxor, Thebes, Egypt, North Africa, Africa
Tomb of Ramses IV – Egypt Tours Portal
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Continue ReadingPharaoh 140 Ramses IV — KV2 Tomb

Pharaoh 129 Horemheb — KV57 Tomb

The entrance room to the tomb, with on the right part of the frame some of the steps leading up to the Earth’s surface.
Nom du fichier :DSCN6589.JPG Taille du fichier :417.1 Ko (427132 octets) Date de la prise de vue :2002/11/01 15:00:32 Taille de la photo :1600 x 1200 Résolution :72 x 72 ppp Nombre de bits :8 bits/canal Attribut de protection :Désactivé Attribut Masqué :Désactivé ID de l’appareil :N/A Nom du Modèle :E950 Mode de qualité :N/A Mode de mesure :Multizones Mode d’exposition :Programme auto Flash :Non Distance focale :7.2 mm Vitesse d’obturation :1/4 seconde Ouverture :F2.6 Correction d’exposition :0 IL Balance des blancs fixe :N/A Objectif :N/A Mode synchro-flash :N/A Différence d’exposition :N/A Programme décalable :N/A Sensibilité :N/A Renforcement de la netteté :N/A Mode de courbe :N/A Mode couleur :COULEUR Compensation des tons :N/A Latitude (GPS) :N/A Longitude (GPS) :N/A Altitude (GPS) :N/A

Continue ReadingPharaoh 129 Horemheb — KV57 Tomb

Pharoah 127 Tutankhamun — KV62 Tomb

The north wall of the burial chamber depicts three separate scenes, ordered from right to left. In the first, Ay, Tutankhamen’s successor, performs the “opening of the mouth” ceremony on Tutankhamen, who is depicted as Osiris, lord of the underworld. In the middle scene, Tutankhamen, dressed in the costume of the living king, is welcomed into the realm of the gods by the goddess Nut. On the left, Tutankhamen, followed by his ka (spirit twin), is embraced by Osiris.
Continue ReadingPharoah 127 Tutankhamun — KV62 Tomb

132nd Pharaoh Ramses II — Abu Simbel, Ramesseum

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The Great Temple of Ramesses ll, Abu Simbel, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Egypt, North Africa, Africa
The Ramesseum Temple – Egypt Tours Portal
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The image was captured close to noon on august 21st 2023, on the East Bank in Luxor, Egypt, on a hot and cloudless day, while visiting the Luxor Temple Complex. The image shows a seated statue of Ramesses II, in front of the First Pylon, marking the entrance to the historic complex, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Luxor. The picture was made on a visit to the complex while traveling on a Nile cruise.
Egypt. Aerial view over the West Bank of Luxor – ruins of the Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II)
Mortuary Temple of Ramesses II – Egypt Tours Portal
Elisofon, Eliot
Ramesseum – Egypt Tours Portal
Ramesseum.
The Ramesseum Temple – Egypt Tours Portal
Seated statue of Ramesses II by the Luxor Temple entrance, Egypt.
Continue Reading132nd Pharaoh Ramses II — Abu Simbel, Ramesseum

131st Pharaoh Seti I — Temple at Abydos, Osireion

Abydos Royal Tombs – Egypt Tours Portal
Components of the Abydos Temple – Egypt Tours Portal
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Archaeology of Abydos Temple – Egypt Tours Portal
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Temple of Seti I in Abydos. Abydos is notable for the memorial temple of Seti I, which contains the Abydos of Egypt King List from Menes until Seti I’s father, Ramesses I. Egypt.
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“The cenotaph, known as the Osireion, built by the 13th century BC pharaoh Seti I (also Sethos I, Sethi I, Sety I and Menmaatre) which occupies the west corner of his temple at Abydos. The water symbolised the water of creation while on an island in the centre stood a sarcophagus and chest for the pharaohaas organs. Begun by Seti I but completed by his son, Ramesses II (also Ramses, Rameses, Ramesses the Great and Usermaatre-setpenre), the temple of Seti I at Abydos is one of the finest buildings in Egypt.”
The Osireion at the Temple of Seti l at Abydos . Egypt .
Abydos Helicopter Hieroglyphs – Egypt Tours Portal
Abydos King List – Egypt Tours Portal
Abydos Royal Tombs – Egypt Tours Portal
Components of the Abydos Temple – Egypt Tours Portal
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AWIB-ISAW: Khasekhemwy Monument (I)One of the massive walls belonging to Khasekhemwy’s monument, or ritual precinct, where ceremonies would have occured during the king’s life as his tomb was being constructed. It has been left standing for thousands of years as an animal necropolis, supposed burial place of Osiris, and eventually even a monastic settlement. by Kyera Giannini (2009)copyright: 2009 Kyera Giannini (used with permission)photographed place: Abdju (Abydos) [http://pleiades.stoa.org/places/756512]Published by the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World as part of the Ancient World Image Bank (AWIB). Further information: [http://www.nyu.edu/isaw/awib.htm].
Seated man is possibly Henri Frankfort (1897-1954), field director of the excavations in Abydos from 1925-1929 Egypt Exploration Society excavations at Abydos, Egypt, 1920s

Continue Reading131st Pharaoh Seti I — Temple at Abydos, Osireion

33rd Pharaoh Sahure – Naval Expedition Reliefs

OSAMA SM AMIN
Sandstone relief. commemorating an expedition to obtain Turquoise or copper in the reign of King Sahure. Wadi Maghara. Sinai. Egypt. Vth Dynasty. Sahure (meaning “He who is close to Re”) was an Ancient Egyptian pharaoh. the second ruler of the Fifth Dynasty. who reigned for about 12 years in the early 25th century BC. Sahure is considered to be one of the most important kings of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. his reign being a political and cultural high point of the 5th Dynasty. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
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Continue Reading33rd Pharaoh Sahure – Naval Expedition Reliefs

25th Pharaoh Shepseskaf — Mastaba Tomb at Saqqara

One of six panels from the mastaba of Hesire, a high official of King Zoser who was Chief of Dentists and Physicians as well as holding other titles. He carries the tools of a scribe over his shoulder. Country of Origin: Egypt Culture: Ancient Egyptian. Date/Period: 3rd dynasty c. 2700 – 2600 BC. Place of Origin: Saqqara. Material Size: Wood 115cms high. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY Copyright: WernerxForman 951_05_55401375

One of Six Panels from The Mastaba of Hesire a High Official of King Zoser Who what Chief of dentists and Physicians As Well As Holding Other titles he carries The Tools of a Scribe Over His Shoulder Country of ORIGIN Egypt Culture Ancient Egyptian Date Period 3rd Dynasty C 2700 2600 BC Place of ORIGIN Saqqara Material Size Wood High PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY Copyright WernerxForman 951_05_55401375
East wall from the Tomb of Irukaptah at Saqqara . Giza .Egypt .
Statue of Mereruka in the sacrifice room of the Mastaba or funerary building located in Saqqara, Cairo, Egypt.
Saqqara, Egypt – December 13 2023: Painted bas relief figures showing daily life in ancient Egypt inside Tomb of Kagemni in Saqqara necropolis, Saqqara, Egypt
Continue Reading25th Pharaoh Shepseskaf — Mastaba Tomb at Saqqara

23rd Pharaoh Kafre — Sphinx & 2nd Pyramid

Architecture and Construction of the Valley Temple of Pharaoh Khafre – Egypt Tours Portal
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The Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, 1852. Photo located in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. (Photo by Art Media/Print Collector/Getty Images)
The Valley Temple – Egypt Tours Portal
The Valley Temple History – Egypt Tours Portal
The Valley Temple Location – Egypt Tours Portal
The Valley Temple of King Khafre – Safaga Shore Excursions
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UNSPECIFIED – FEBRUARY 14: Diorite statue of Khafre, from Giza. Egyptian civilisation, Old Kingdom, Dynasty IV. Cairo, Egyptian Museum (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)
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21st Pharaoh Khufu — Great Pyramid

Pyramid in Cairo,Egypt
Great Pyramid of Giza, Cutaway View, Illustration
History Of the Great Pyramid of Khufu – Egypt Tours Portal
GIZA, EGYPT – DECEMBER 09: Visitors travel by camels in the area where the pyramids are located, including the largest pyramid of Cheops, also known as The Great Pyramid of Giza (King Khufu), the middle Pyramid of Khafre (King Khafre) and the small pyramid of Menkaure (King Menkaure) in Giza, Egypt on December 09, 2024. Egypt, home to the pyramid of Cheops, one of the seven wonders of the world, was visited by 14.9 million tourists last year. (Photo by Murat Bakmaz/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Continue Reading21st Pharaoh Khufu — Great Pyramid

20th Pharaoh Sneferu — Bent Pyramid & Red Pyramid

Replica statue of Rahotep, a prince in ancient Egypt during the 4th Dynasty. He was probably a son of Pharaoh Sneferu and his first wife. Dynasty IV lasted from c.2613 to 2494 BC. Credit: Album / Universal Images Group / World History Archive
A row of camels transport tourists in front of all of the Dakshur Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt
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Bent Pyramid – Egypt Tours Portal
Bent Pyramid Surroundings – Egypt Tours Portal
Construction of the Bent Pyramid – Egypt Tours Portal
Clear sky ovet the ancoentBent Pyramid of Sneferu in the desert landscape, Dahshur, Egypt
Inside the Bent Pyramid – Egypt Tours Portal
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The Red Pyramid Facts – The Red Pyramid History – The Red Pyramid Description
The Red Pyramid – Egypt Tours Portal
Continue Reading20th Pharaoh Sneferu — Bent Pyramid & Red Pyramid

15th Pharaoh Djoser — “The Cobra King” — Step Pyramid of Saqqara

Saqqara (Egypt), Step pyramid of king Djoser, c. 2600 BC. – Court of Hebsed, reconstruction. Illustration from: Jean-Philippe Lauer, Fouilles à Sakkarah (Planche LVII) / La Pyramide à Degrés (Service des Antiquités de l’Egypte / Institut Français d’Archéologie Orientale / Le Caire 1936). Credit: Album / akg-images / Gilles Mermet
Sakkara; The Step Pyramid of Djoser; Egypt
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Saqqara Step Pyramid Facts – Djoser Pyramid Facts – First Pyramid in Egypt
Limestone Statue of Djoser
EGYPT – CIRCA 2003: The Pharaoh Djoser, painted limestone statue, from the Pyramid and Mortuary Complex of Djoser at Saqqara. Egyptian Civilisation, Old Kingdom, Dynasty III. Cairo, Egyptian Museum (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED – FEBRUARY 14: Pharaoh Djoser, painted limestone statue, from the mortuary complex of Djoser in Saqqara. Egyptian civilisation, Old Kingdom, Dynasty III. Detail. Cairo, Egyptian Museum (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)
EGYPT – FEBRUARY 14: Pads cobra shape, Funerary Complex of Djoser with the step pyramid in the background, Saqqara, Memphis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979). Egyptian civilisation, Old Kingdom, Dynasty III. Detail. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)
Continue Reading15th Pharaoh Djoser — “The Cobra King” — Step Pyramid of Saqqara

132ND PHARAOH RAMSES II — LUXOR OBELISK — PARIS, FRANCE

The text visible today is still the original Ramesses II inscription.

A representative translation reads:

“Horus: Mighty Bull, beloved of Ma’at.
King of Upper and Lower Egypt Usermaatre-Setepenre, son of Ra Ramesses, beloved of Amun-Ra.
He made this monument of red granite for his father Amun-Ra, lord of the thrones of the Two Lands, so that he may grant life, stability, and dominion forever.”

French Text

“L’OBÉLISQUE DE LOUQSOR
ÉRIGÉ À THÈBES SOUS LE RÈGNE
DE RAMESSÈS II ENVIRON
TREIZE SIÈCLES AVANT L’ÈRE CHRÉTIENNE
A ÉTÉ DONNÉ À LA FRANCE
PAR MÉHÉMET ALI
VICE-ROI D’ÉGYPTE
ET ÉLEVÉ SUR CETTE PLACE
LE 25 OCTOBRE 1836
SOUS LE RÈGNE
DE LOUIS-PHILIPPE ROI DES FRANÇAIS.”

English Translation

“The obelisk of Luxor,
erected at Thebes under the reign
of Ramesses II about thirteen centuries
before the Christian era,
was given to France
by Muhammad Ali,
Viceroy of Egypt,
and erected in this square
on 25 October 1836
during the reign of
Louis-Philippe, King of the French.”

Cloudy day at the place de la Concorde with the Obelisk and Eiffel tower, in Paris, France.
Paris, France – July 6, 2013: Illuminated Louvre museum during sunset in Paris. The Pyramid is the main entrance to the Louvre Museum.
Salmon-red clouds hovering over l’Obélisque de Louxor at dusk.

Continue Reading132ND PHARAOH RAMSES II — LUXOR OBELISK — PARIS, FRANCE

8 EGYPTIAN OBELISKS IN ROME

121ST PHARAOH THUTMOSE III — #1 LATERAN OBELISK

Side text summary:

“The Horus Mighty Bull, beloved of Maat.
The King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Menkheperre (Thutmose III), son of Ra, Thutmose, beloved of Amun.
He made this great obelisk of red granite for his father Amun-Ra, lord of the thrones of the Two Lands.
May he grant life, stability, and dominion forever.”

Later added lines from Thutmose IV say roughly:

“The King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Menkheperure (Thutmose IV), son of Ra, beloved of Amun.
He restored and renewed the monuments of his father Amun and made his name flourish forever.”

Latin

SIXTVS V PONT MAX
OBELISCVM HUNC
A CONSTAN TII FILIO
ALEXANDRIA ROMAM ADVECTUM
ET IN CIRCO MAXIMO POSITUM
EVERSUM AC DIU IACENTEM
IN HANC BASILICAE LATERANENSIS
AREAM TRANSTULIT
ANNO MDLXXXVII

Translation

“Pope Sixtus V, Supreme Pontiff, moved this obelisk, which the Emperor Constantius, son of Constantine, had brought from Alexandria to Rome and placed in the Circus Maximus.
After it had fallen and lain there for a long time, he transferred it to the square of the Lateran Basilica in the year 1587.”


UNKNOWN PHARAOH — #2 VATICAN OBELISK

What was originally written on it

Nothing.

The granite shaft is completely blank — it has no hieroglyphs at all.

Because Egyptian obelisks normally include royal inscriptions, historians believe it was probably:

  • made for a sun temple at Heliopolis, and
  • intentionally left plain or never inscribed.

This means no Egyptian text survives to translate.

Latin inscription currently on the pedestal

One of the principal inscriptions reads:

Latin

ECCE CRUX DOMINI
FUGITE PARTES ADVERSAE
VICIT LEO DE TRIBU IUDA

Translation

“Behold the Cross of the Lord.
Flee, hostile powers.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered.”

This Christian inscription symbolically “consecrated” the pagan monument.

Another inscription on the base commemorates the pope who raised it:

“Sixtus V, Supreme Pontiff, restored this obelisk to the Vatican in 1586.”

What “Consecrated” Means

To consecrate something means:

  • to make it sacred for a new religious purpose
  • to dedicate it formally to God

When Pope Sixtus V raised the obelisk in 1586, he symbolically converted it from an Egyptian monument into a Christian monument.

How They Did This

Several changes were made:

  1. A Christian cross placed on top of the obelisk
  2. Latin inscriptions praising Christ
  3. The monument placed in St. Peter’s Square, the center of Catholic Christianity.

One of the inscriptions reads:

“Behold the Cross of the Lord. Flee hostile powers. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered.”

This was meant to show that Christianity had triumphed over earlier religions.

In the Renaissance, the papacy wanted to:

  • reclaim ancient Roman monuments
  • show the victory of Christianity over pagan Rome and Egypt
  • decorate the great squares of Rome

So instead of destroying ancient monuments, they reinterpreted them with Christian symbolism.

Simple summary

“Consecrated the pagan monument” =
An ancient Egyptian religious monument was rededicated and symbolically turned into a Christian monument.


131ST PHARAOH SETI I — #3 FLAMINIO OBELISK

The hieroglyphs visible today are essentially the same Seti I + Ramesses II inscriptions carved in Egypt.

A representative translation reads roughly:

“Horus: Mighty Bull, beloved of Ma’at.
The King of Upper and Lower Egypt Menmaatre (Seti I), son of Ra, beloved of Ra-Horakhty.
He made this monument of red granite for his father Ra, lord of Heliopolis, so that his name might endure forever.”

The added lines of Ramesses II say approximately:

“The King of Upper and Lower Egypt Usermaatre-Setepenre (Ramesses II), beloved of Ra-Horakhty.
He completed the monuments of his father and made his name flourish forever.”

Latin Inscription

“SIXTVS V PONT MAX
OBELISCVM HUNC
A CAESARE AVGVSTO
EX AEGYPTO ROMAM
ADVECTVM
IN CIRCO MAXIMO
POSITVM
EVERSVM ET
DIU IACENTEM
EREXIT
ANNO MDLXXXIX”

English Translation

“Pope Sixtus V, Supreme Pontiff,
raised this obelisk which Caesar Augustus had brought from Egypt to Rome and placed in the Circus Maximus.
After it had fallen and lain there for a long time, he erected it again in the year 1589.”


179TH PHARAOH PSAMTIK II — #4 MONTE CITORIO OBELLISK

The hieroglyphic text still reads essentially the original Psamtik II dedication.

A simplified translation:

“Horus: Strong Bull appearing in truth.
The King of Upper and Lower Egypt Neferibre (Psamtik II), son of Ra, beloved of Ra-Horakhty.
He made this monument of red granite for his father Ra, lord of Heliopolis, that he may grant life, stability, and dominion forever.”

Latin text (Augustan dedication)

“IMP CAESAR DIVI F
AVGVSTVS
PONTIFEX MAXIMVS
OBELISCVM SOLI DONVM
DEDIT.”

Translation

“The Emperor Caesar Augustus, son of the deified (Julius Caesar), High Priest, gave this obelisk as a gift to the Sun.”

This refers to the sundial dedicated to the sun god.

Another inscription added during the papal restoration reads approximately:

“Pius VI, Supreme Pontiff, restored this obelisk which had collapsed and lay buried for centuries.”


132ND PHARAOH RAMSES II — #5 MACUTEO OBELISK

The hieroglyphs visible today are essentially the same inscriptions carved for Ramesses II.

A representative translation:

“Horus: Mighty Bull, beloved of Ma’at.
King of Upper and Lower Egypt Usermaatre-Setepenre, son of Ra Ramesses, beloved of Ra-Horakhty.
He made this monument of enduring granite for his father Ra-Horakhty, lord of the Two Lands.
May he grant life, stability, and dominion forever.”

Latin text

“CLEMENS XI PONT MAX
OBELISCUM
A DOMITIANO
IN CAMPUM MARTIUM
ADVECTUM
ORNAMENTO URBIS
HIC RESTITUIT
ANNO MDCCXI”

Translation

“Pope Clement XI, Supreme Pontiff, restored here this obelisk, which Domitian had brought to the Campus Martius, as an ornament of the city, in the year 1711.”


180TH PHARAOH APRIES — #6 MINERVA OBELISK

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The inscriptions still read essentially the original dedication of Apries.

A simplified translation:

“Horus: Mighty Bull, beloved of Ma’at.
King of Upper and Lower Egypt Wahibre (Apries), son of Ra, beloved of Ra.
He made this monument of enduring granite for his father Ra, lord of heaven, so that he may grant life forever.”

One of the Latin inscriptions on the pedestal reads:

Latin

“QUI SAPIENTIAE AEGYPTIAE
OBELISCUM
ELEPHANTUS HIC SUSTINET
DOCUMENTUM INTELLIGE
ROBUSTAE MENTIS ESSE
SOLIDAM SAPIENTIAM SUSTINERE.”

Translation

“This elephant supports the obelisk of Egyptian wisdom.
Understand that it is a sign that a strong mind is needed to support solid wisdom.”

The message reflects a Baroque philosophical idea:
the elephant symbolizes strength and intelligence supporting knowledge.


132ND PHARAOH RAMSES II — #7 DOGALI OBELISK

The hieroglyphs visible today still read essentially the original Ramesses II dedication.

A simplified translation:

“Horus: Mighty Bull, beloved of Ma’at.
King of Upper and Lower Egypt Usermaatre-Setepenre, son of Ra Ramesses, beloved of Ra-Horakhty.
He made this monument of enduring granite for his father Ra-Horakhty, lord of heaven, that he may grant life, stability, and dominion forever.”

Italian text (summary)

It dedicates the monument to the Italian soldiers who died at the Battle of Dogali in 1887 during the Italian colonial war in Eritrea.

Translation (summary)

“To the soldiers who fell at Dogali on 26 January 1887 in service of Italy.”


132ND PHARAOH RAMSES II — #8 MATTEIANO OBELISK

The hieroglyphs are essentially the original Ramesses II titles.

A representative translation:

“Horus: Mighty Bull, beloved of Ma’at.
King of Upper and Lower Egypt Usermaatre-Setepenre, son of Ra Ramesses, beloved of Ra-Horakhty.
May he live forever like Ra.”

Because the obelisk is small, the inscription is shorter than most Egyptian obelisks.

The only inscriptions carved into the granite shaft are ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
These include the royal titles of Ramesses II and a dedication to the sun god Ra-Horakhty.

Continue Reading8 EGYPTIAN OBELISKS IN ROME