Obelisk of Axum

The Obelisk of Axum is a tall, ancient stone monument in Ethiopia, built around the 4th century AD by the Axumite civilization. It stands about 24 meters (79 feet) high and was crafted from a single piece of granite, serving as a funerary marker for royalty. The obelisk is decorated with carved inscriptions and geometric patterns, symbolizing the power and religious beliefs of the Axumite Kingdom. Originally erected in the city of Axum, it was later taken to Italy but was returned to Ethiopia in 2005. It is considered a remarkable example of ancient Ethiopian engineering and artistry.