As I meandered through the bustling streets of London, I found myself unexpectedly captivated by a peculiar sight – Cleopatra’s Needle. I couldn’t help but take a second glance, as it seemed to be a prime contender for the most unusual and enigmatic statues scattered across the city.
Now, that’s quite a statement, considering London is a melting pot of eccentric, awe-inspiring, and sometimes downright bizarre attractions waiting to be discovered by tourists and locals alike.
But Cleopatra’s Needle, an ancient Egyptian obelisk, stands out among these curious treasures. What is its purpose? How did it come to find its home in the heart of London?
If you’ve never heard of Cleopatra’s Needle or are intrigued by its mystique, let me unravel the story behind this magnificent artifact.
Hold on a moment –what is Cleopatra’s Needle?
Nestled between the iconic Waterloo Bridge and the shimmering Golden Jubilee Bridge, Cleopatra’s Needle proudly stands along the Victoria Embankment, gracing the banks of the mighty River Thames.
This towering, 21-meter-high, and 224-ton Egyptian obelisk is adorned with intricate, ancient hieroglyphics, silently whispering the stories of a civilization long gone. Yet, as it casts its shadow on the waters below, one cannot help but marvel at its grandeur.
Cleopatra’s Needle holds a special place in British history, as it was gifted to the United Kingdom in 1819 by the Egyptian and Sudanese ruler Muhammed Ali. This remarkable token of friendship celebrated the victories of two esteemed British military leaders, Lord Nelson, and Sir Ralph Abercromby, at the Battle of the Nile and the Battle of Alexandria, respectively. With its rich history and enigmatic presence, Cleopatra’s Needle remains an enduring symbol of camaraderie and triumph.
The Enthralling History of Cleopatra’s Needle: From Egyptian Origins to London’s Shores
The seemingly serendipitous relocation of Cleopatra’s Needle might raise a few eyebrows. Still, how this ancient obelisk journeyed from Alexandria, Cleopatra’s royal city, to London is steeped in intrigue and fascination.
Crafted in 1460 BC from granite sourced near the Nile, this magnificent monument was commissioned initially by Pharaoh Totmes III and erected in the ancient city of Heliopolis. The obelisk was adorned with a single text block on each side, chronicling the pharaoh’s reign and accomplishments.
As the sands of time shifted, Ramses II, another prominent Egyptian pharaoh, saw fit to inscribe additional hieroglyphs on either side of the original text, paying homage to his remarkable victories and achievements.
In 12 BC, the obelisk was transported to Alexandria, where it became a centerpiece of the Caesareum, a grand temple constructed at the behest of Cleopatra to honor the Roman Empire.
The passage of time eventually led to demolishing of the Caesareum and surrounding structures. However, in a twist of fate, this destruction helped preserve Cleopatra’s Needle, as most of the hieroglyphs remained untouched by the elements and the ravages of time. And so, the obelisk continued to stand tall, its intricate carvings a testament to ancient Egypt’s rich and storied history.
Cleopatra’s Needle Finds Its Way to London: A Perilous Journey
But how you may wonder, did this massive Egyptian obelisk make its way to the bustling streets of London?
Fast forward a few millennia and Cleopatra’s Needle was graciously offered to the British as a gift. But unfortunately, while the government appreciated the sentiment, it was reluctant to shoulder the financial burden and logistical challenges of transporting the obelisk to London – a decision some might find instead ungracious.
It wasn’t until 1867 that James Edward Alexander, upon visiting the Concord in Paris, became enamored with the idea of bringing a colossal Egyptian obelisk to London. But, unfortunately, he soon discovered that the landowner in Alexandria, where the British Needle stood, had plans to demolish Cleopatra’s Needle and repurpose it as building material. Outraged by this prospect, Alexander rallied his friends to help fund the monument’s transportation.
Thus began the harrowing odyssey of Cleopatra’s Needle across the open seas.
During its journey, the obelisk found itself stranded near Spain. The captain of the Olga, the steamship designated to tow the Needle, dispatched a rescue team to save Cleopatra’s beleaguered crew. Although, tragically, the would-be rescuers perished in their mission, their sacrifice was immortalized on plaques at the obelisk’s base in London. Nonetheless, the workers on Cleopatra’s boat were ultimately rescued and brought to safety near the Bay of Biscay.
The obelisk’s arrival in London was a long time coming, but in 1878, the Thames finally welcomed Cleopatra’s Needle. With bated breath, the government watched as the ancient monument was carefully maneuvered into its rightful place, standing tall as a testament to the incredible journey it had undertaken.
Intriguing Tidbits About Cleopatra’s Needle
The Twin Sphinxes Guarding Cleopatra’s Needle
As you approach Cleopatra’s Needle, you’ll find the obelisk accompanied by a pair of bronze Egyptian sphinxes. These majestic feline guardians were the brainchild of British architect George John Vulliamy.
Upon closer inspection, you may notice that the sphinxes seem to face the wrong direction – a curious quirk believed to be the result of a mistake during their installation.
These enigmatic cats are adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions that read, “Netjer never men-keeper-re di ankh,” which translates to “the good god Thuthmosis III gave life.”
A Time Capsule Lies Beneath the Obelisk
Unbeknownst to many, a hidden treasure chest lies deep beneath Cleopatra’s Needle. When the obelisk finally reached London, the Victorians commemorated its arrival by entombing a time capsule beneath its massive base.
While digging it up would likely land you in hot water (or perhaps the Tower of London), it’s rumored that the capsule contains a fascinating array of artifacts, including children’s toys, razors, railroad books, copies of the Bible, a portrait of Queen Victoria, and, rather peculiarly, a dozen paintings of “pretty ladies” personally selected by Captain Henry Carter. Quite the eccentric character, that captain!
The Ship Carrying the Obelisk was Swiftly Demolished
After surviving a treacherous journey across the globe, the ship responsible for transporting Cleopatra’s Needle was promptly dismantled on July 6, 1878, following the obelisk’s removal. Given its ordeal, one might argue that the ship’s destruction was a merciful decision.
Locating Cleopatra’s Needle and Its Global Counterparts
Where Can You Find Cleopatra’s Needle in London?
Cleopatra’s Needle stands proudly near Victoria Embankment Gardens in London. To get there, the nearest tube stations are Embankment and Charing Cross, both within easy walking distance.
How Many Cleopatra’s Needles Exist Across the Globe?
There are three renowned Cleopatra’s Needles gracing various cities worldwide. The London obelisk has a sibling in New York City, forming a magnificent pair. Meanwhile, Cleopatra’s Needle in Paris is one of a twin set, with its counterpart residing in the ancient city of Luxor, Egypt.
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