CHAPTER VI

THE EGYPTIAN OBELISKS

Number of Obelisks in Rome--Sun Worship--Symbolism of Obelisk--Obelisk of Nebuchadnezzar--Original position of Obelisks--Egyptian Propylons--Changes connected with Obelisks in Egypt--Transportation of Obelisks to Rome and other places--Obelisk of Heliopolis--Obelisk of Luxor--Karnac--Lateran Obelisk--Obelisk in Square of St. Peter's--Obelisk of Piazza del Popolo--Association of Fountains with Obelisks--Obelisk of Monte Citorio--Esquiline and Quirinal Obelisks--Obelisk of Trinita dei Monti--Pamphilian Obelisk--Obelisks near Pantheon--Superiority of Oldest Obelisks--Obelisk of Paris--Cleopatra's Needles in London and New York--Religious Devotion of Ancient Egyptians