The Vatican Obelisk

Illustration

Wanda Marcussen
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published on 16 February 2020
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The Vatican Obelisk Download Full Size Image

The origin of the Vatican Obelisk is unknown except that is was erected in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis. After reaching Rome, the obelisk was placed by Emperor Caligula (r. 37–41 CE) in the circus he had constructed close to where the Vatican stands today. It was moved to its current location in St. Peter's Square in 1586 CE.

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About the Author

Wanda Marcussen
Wanda Marcussen is a doctoral research fellow in environmental history at the University of Oslo. Her academic interest includes climate history, marine environmental history, and cultural heritage studies.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Marcussen, W. (2020, February 16). The Vatican Obelisk. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/11924/the-vatican-obelisk/

Chicago Style

Marcussen, Wanda. "The Vatican Obelisk." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified February 16, 2020. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/11924/the-vatican-obelisk/.

MLA Style

Marcussen, Wanda. "The Vatican Obelisk." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 16 Feb 2020. Web. 25 Feb 2025.

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