Obelisk of Hatshepsut at Karnak
The tallest obelisk in Egypt (29.56 m, 97 ft) is in Temple of Amun at the Great Temple complex at Karnak and belonged to Hatshepsut who was a female pharaoh of Egypt in 1473–1458 BCE. It is also known as Obelisk E and was the northernmost of a pair. The southern, Obelisk F, toppled already in antiquity, possibly due to an earthquake, leaving only the base, and the upper part lying by the sacred lake. Despite the fact that her successors systematically erased her name from her most visible monuments, it is ironic that her obelisk still stands where it was erected some 3,500 years ago. Toppling Hatshepsut’s two large obelisks, which had been erected between the fourth and fifth pylon of the Great Temple, probably proved impossible without damaging the surrounding structures. Instead, they were likely hidden behind false walls — a simple solution that rendered the obelisks practically invisible.
In 2022 the top part of the toppled Obelisk F (11 m, 36 ft tall) was erected by the Sacred Lake at the side of the Great temple, where it had been lying on its side for decades. The new position is not the original spot for the obelisk, but it is at least in line with its twin. The fate of the other pair of her obelisks is unknown; they were probably toppled or dismantled by her successors.
Translation of the inscriptions
North face
Horus: Mighty of ka’s; Two Ladies: Flourishing-in-years; Horus of Gold: Divine-of Diadems; The Dual King, Lord of the Two Lands: Maatkara.
Her father Amun has established her great name upon the august Ashed-tree. Her annals are millions of years, united with life, stability, and dominion. The Son of Ra, Hatshepsut, united with Amun, beloved of Amun-Ra, King of the Gods, constructed this beautiful monument which she made for him on the first occurrence of the jubilee, so that she will have life forever.
West face
Horus: Mighty of ka’s; Two Ladies: flourishing in years; Horus of Gold: Divine-of-diadems; The Dual King: Lord of the Two Lands, Maatkara.
She made as her monument for her father Amun, Lord of Thrones of the Two Lands, the erecting for him of two great obelisks at the august portal, “Amun-great-in-majesty.” Wrought with very fine gold, they illuminate the Two Lands like Aten. Never was the like made since earth’s beginning. Made for him by the Son of Ra: Hatshepsut, united with Amun, given life like Ra forever.
East face
Horus: Mighty of ka’s; the Dual King: Maatkara, beloved of Amun-Ra.
Her Majesty has recorded the name of her father on this enduring monument. Inasmuch favor was shown to the Dual King, Lord of the Two Lands: Aakheperkara by the majesty of this god, accordingly these two great obelisks were erected by her majesty for the first time. For it was said by the Lord of the Gods: “Your father, the Dual King, Aakheperkara, gave instruction to erect obelisks, and your majesty shall multiply monuments, so as to live forever.”
South face
Horus: Mighty of ka’s; The Dual King: Maatkara, shining image of Amun, whom he made appear as King upon the throne of Horus, in front of the holies of the palace; whom the Great Ennead nursed to be Mistress of the circuit of Aten. They have endowed her with life, dominion, and joy in front of the living; the Son of Ra: Hatshepsut, united with Amun, beloved of Amun-Ra, King of Gods, given life like Ra forever.
