unfinished obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk is the largest known ancient obelisk, abandoned in the granite quarries near Aswan after cracks appeared during carving. The monolith remains partially attached to the bedrock at the quarry, showing ancient stone-working techniques.

The exposed, partly carved surfaces allow close observation of the methods used to cut and shape granite with simple tools; the obelisk’s dimensions are estimated at about 42 metres in length and an original weight of about 1,200 tonnes had it been completed. There is no pedestal or decorative inscription because work stopped before erection.

Carving of large obelisks in the Aswan quarries dates to ancient Egypt; this obelisk was abandoned on the spot when quarrymen encountered structural flaws in the granite. The unfinished state provides direct archaeological evidence for extraction and dressing methods used by ancient craftsmen.

The unfinished obelisk is located in the northern quarries at Aswan, a short distance north of Aswan city in southern Egypt. The site is part of the stone-working and quarry landscape that supplied monuments throughout ancient Egypt.

• Size and status: Left in situ in the granite quarry at Aswan and visible as a massive partially carved monolith; estimated to have measured about 42 metres and to have weighed roughly 1,200 tonnes if completed.