Talk:Obelisk

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Note: the formula BCE/CE has been used in this article since 21 November 2003; attempts to "correct" it are discourteous. --Wetman 10:30, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

Contents 1 List and number of obelisks 2 Urbino 3 War memorials 4 Knoxville, Tennessee 5 Tallest obelisk? 6 Construction

[edit] List and number of obelisks

Can anyone verify the numbers given for quantities of obelisks in different countries? Everywhere i check I seem to get a different set of numbers. Notably [1], and [2] Pdefer | !! 03:43, 2004 Nov 25 (UTC)

When I re-wrote this article I carefully verified the figures listed against the most reliable sources. There is a lot of confusion and even trusty looking sources count some things twice. Also there is a question over inclusion of Axumite obelisks (Hence my separating these). Most confusion is over 'egyptian' obelisks which may be Roman copies. I think we will have to wait until next year when a new book is published which may answer these problems: Susan Sorek The Emperor's Needles: Obelisks in Rome (Bristol Phoenix Press 2005) ISBN 1904675301. --mervyn 09:03, 25 Nov 2004 (UTC)

The numbers of Egyptian obelisks don't add up now. This page says 28, but lists 27 (8+1+1+12+1+3+1). The one in Arles was moved to its own section as a Roman copy - this may be reason for the error. However, the lists also says 12 Egyptian obelisiks in Rome, and mentions five known Roman copies but obelisks in Rome says there are 11, two of which are Roman copies, and does not mention five other copies at all.

The articles should at least be self-consistent and consistent with each other, even if attribution is a matter of debate. Can anyone help? -- ALoan (Talk) 13:14, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

I am sorry, but I cannot figure out how to post a message, so I shall resort to using that of others. I would simply like to bring to the attention of people that in the obelisk article, the two pictures are the same, yet they are labeled as different. Thank you.

[edit] Urbino

For the Urbino obelisk, see Roberto Piperno's page, toward the bottom, and Carlitos Lunghi's page. Further details are given on my own site, (Platner, Obelisci Isei Campensis): notice that the Urbino obelisk is a reconstruction concocted from two authentic Egyptian obelisks. Bill 11:28, 23 July 2005 (UTC)

[edit] War memorials

Many war memorials in Britain are obelisk shaped, though most are not so tall that one would include them in a list of modern obelisks. The one in Southport, Lancashire that I just added to the list is particularly tall and impressive. It is the central focus of Lord Street, and is of an unusually grand scale for a provincial town. I took some photos of it today. DFH 21:31, 6 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Knoxville, Tennessee

I removed the editorial comment, "You can do the research or cover this up too." which is not appropriate to include in the main article. I have retained the word "allegedly", but this still needs a source citing. DFH 21:45, 6 September 2006 (UTC) **Do a search for it on the web or go take a picture of it yourself it is there (or was) Just like the Georgia Guidestones folks want to ignor. Why does this entry need citations but others do not? The mayor that put it up was an alumni of Yale, ask him if he doesnt say it is "too secret to talk about"? Qbert203 04:59, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Tallest obelisk?

Many sources still cite the Washington Monument as the world's tallest obelisk. The San Jacinto Monument stands in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest monument column in the world, and it is 15 feet taller than the Washington Monument. I suppose that there may be some arguments as to what truly classes as an obelisk. The top of the San Jacinto is somewhat more ornate than a simple pyramid. DFH 18:58, 8 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Construction

It would be nice to see some information about the construction of obelisks (especially ancient Egyptian ones, but not only those). A good source is Nova's video about Egyptian obelisks. I could write a paragraph or two about that, if that would be appreciated.
Qbert203 04:59, 8 February 2007 (UTC)