Ebook: Cleopatra’s Needles: The Lost Obelisks of Egypt

In the half-century between 1831 and 1881 three massive obelisks left Egypt for new lands. Prior to these journeys, the last large obelisk moved was the Vatican obelisk in 1586 – one of the great engineering achievements of the Renaissance. Roman emperors moved more than a dozen, but left no records of how they did it. The nineteenth-century engineers entrusted with transporting the obelisks across oceans had to invent new methods, and they were far from certain that they would work. As the three obelisks, bound for Paris, London and New York, sailed towards their new homes, the world held its breath. Newspapers reported the obelisks’ daily progress, complete with dramatic illustrations of the heroic deeds of the engineers and crews struggling under nearly impossible conditions. When the obelisks finally arrived safely in their new homes, bands played Cleopatra’s Needle Waltz and silver obelisk pencils dangled from fashionable ladies’ necks.
This turbulent era, caught up in obelisk mania, is recreated by Bob Brier in all its glory. Amid astounding tales of engineering dexterity and naval endurance, the individuals involved in transporting the obelisks and receiving them in their future homes are brought to life through their letters and diaries, newspaper articles and illustrations. Written by a renowned Egyptologist and author, this compelling book will fascinate all those interested in Egypt, its iconic monuments and the history of great endeavour.
This book presents the history of Egypt’s massive obelisks, from when they were quarried and erected in ancient Egypt to the nineteenth century when three left Egypt for new lands. Rome has twelve obelisks and the stories of these obelisks and the emperors who brought them are told. In the sixteenth century Domenico Fontana moved the Vatican Obelisk to its present position in St. Peter’s Square, one of the great engineering feats of the Renaissance. His heroic achievement is vividly illustrated. Finally the Paris, London, and New York obelisks are discussed with their tales of engineering dexterity, naval skills, and the remarkable individuals responsible for transporting these monoliths.