How Do You Spell LATERAN OBELISK?

Pronunciation: [lˈatəɹən ˈɒbəlɪsk] (IPA)

The Lateran Obelisk is a monument in Rome, Italy. It dates back to ancient Egypt and was brought to Rome in the 4th century AD. The word "Lateran" is spelled /ləˈtɛrən/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "a" in the first syllable is pronounced like the "a" in "about." The word "obelisk" is spelled /ˈɑbəlɪsk/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "o" is pronounced like the "a" in "father" and the "e" is pronounced like the "i" in "ski."

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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LATERAN OBELISK Meaning and Definition

  1. The Lateran Obelisk, also known as the Obelisco Lateranense in Italian, is a prominent ancient Egyptian obelisk located in Rome, Italy. It is situated in the Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, near the Basilica of St. John Lateran, from which it derives its name. Standing at a height of approximately 105 feet (32 meters), the Lateran Obelisk is considered one of the tallest and oldest obelisks in Rome.

    Dating back to the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III in the 15th century BCE, the Lateran Obelisk was originally erected in the Temple of Amun at Karnak in ancient Egypt. However, it was subsequently transported to Rome in 357 CE by Emperor Constantius II as a symbol of victory. This monumental granite structure has since then witnessed numerous historical periods and witnessed the rise and fall of several empires.

    The Lateran Obelisk is adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions that glorify the pharaoh and depict various religious and political events. It stands atop a marble pedestal and is surrounded by several statues that were added during different restorations. As a significant landmark in Rome, it has been seen as a representation of the city's cultural connections to ancient civilizations and serves as a testament to the grandeur and architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians.

    Today, the Lateran Obelisk serves as both a historical artifact and a captivating tourist attraction. Its size, age, and intricate carvings make it a captivating sight for visitors, drawing them into the rich history and cultural heritage of Rome.

Etymology of LATERAN OBELISK

The word "Lateran" refers to the Lateran Palace in Rome, which was the official residence of the popes from the 4th to the 14th century. The Lateran Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian obelisk that was originally located at the Temple of Amun in Karnak, Egypt. It was brought to Rome by Emperor Constantius II in the 4th century and re-erected in the Circus Maximus, before being moved to its current location in the Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, near the Lateran Palace.

The term "obelisk" comes from the ancient Greek word "obeliskos", meaning a "small spit" or "spit skewer". This is due to the characteristic tall, four-sided, tapering shape of obelisks, which resemble a long, pointed rod or skewer.