Obelisk of Theodosius
Sultan Ahmet Park, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Obelisk of Theodosius, originally erected in Egypt by Pharaoh Thutmose III in the 15th century BCE, now stands in the heart of Istanbul’s Hippodrome. Brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century CE, this 25-meter-tall monument is inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphics and rests on a marble base depicting scenes of the emperor and his court. One of the city’s oldest historical landmarks, the obelisk offers a fascinating glimpse into Istanbul’s ancient past.
The Obelisk of Theodosius is an ancient Egyptian monument located in the Hippodrome of Istanbul, Turkey. Originally carved in the 15th century BCE for Pharaoh Thutmose III, it was transported to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century CE. Standing at over 25 meters tall, the obelisk is adorned with hieroglyphics and sits on a marble pedestal that depicts Theodosius and his court. This striking monument is one of the oldest artifacts in Istanbul and a testament to the city’s rich historical layers.