The Obelisk of Piazza del Popolo: A Journey Through History

One of the most fascinating monuments in Rome is the obelisk of Piazza del Popolo, known as the Flaminio Obelisk. This ancient Egyptian obelisk, originally erected in Heliopolis around 1300 BC by Pharaoh Ramses II, was brought to Rome in 10 BC by Emperor Augustus to celebrate the conquest of Egypt. It was placed in the Circus Maximus, where it stood for centuries before being moved to Piazza del Popolo in 1589 by Pope Sixtus V.

How Were Obelisks Transported?

Transporting obelisks from Egypt to Rome was a colossal feat. These towering stone monuments, often weighing hundreds of tons, were transported across the Mediterranean Sea on specially built ships. Once in Rome, they were carefully re-erected using complex engineering techniques, including scaffolding and pulleys, with the help of thousands of workers.

The Symbolism of Obelisks in Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, obelisks were symbols of the sun god Ra, representing a ray of sunlight captured in stone. They were often erected at the entrances of temples as a tribute to the gods. The Romans, fascinated by Egyptian culture, transported many of these monuments to Rome after their conquests.

Rome: The City of Obelisks

Rome is home to 13 ancient obelisks, more than any other city in the world. After the fall of the Roman Empire, many obelisks were lost, buried, or damaged, only to be rediscovered and re-erected centuries later by various popes. Let’s take a look at the other major obelisks in Rome, listed in order of height:

1. Lateran Obelisk – 32.18 meters (105.6 ft): The tallest standing obelisk in the world, originally erected in Thebes by Pharaoh Thutmose III.
2. Vatican Obelisk – 25.31 meters (83 ft): Moved to St. Peter’s Square by Pope Sixtus V in 1586.
3. Flaminio Obelisk (Piazza del Popolo) – 23.30 meters (76.4 ft): Originally from Heliopolis, now standing in Piazza del Popolo.
4. Obelisk of Montecitorio – 21.79 meters (71.5 ft): Also from Heliopolis, it was used as a sundial by Emperor Augustus.
5. Obelisk of the Pantheon – 6.34 meters (20.8 ft): A smaller obelisk from Heliopolis, now standing in front of the Pantheon.

The Rediscovery and Re-Erection of Obelisks

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, popes like Sixtus V were instrumental in rediscovering and re-erecting many of the ancient obelisks as part of their urban renewal projects. These towering monuments were placed in key locations around the city to mark important crossroads or create monumental squares, like Piazza del Popolo.

The Flaminio Obelisk in Piazza del Popolo Today

Standing proudly in Piazza del Popolo, the Flaminio Obelisk is an iconic symbol of both Roman imperial power and Egyptian grandeur. Its strategic placement between the twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli, overlooking the piazza, creates a sense of order and symmetry in this bustling square, despite its ancient origins.

Fun Fact: The Vatican Obelisk, unlike most others in Rome, is one of the few that does not bear hieroglyphs. It stood in the Circus of Nero, where Saint Peter was believed to have been martyred.