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Ancient Quarry and Obelisk

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Introduction About two kilometers from downtown Aswan lies the site of an ancient Egyptian quarry. The quarry stretches along the Nile River for approximately six kilometers. It was specialized in producing a type of pink granite, which is said to have been mined here and transported to various locations across Egypt via waterways. This granite has been found in nearly all ancient Egyptian sites...

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Introduction

About two kilometers from downtown Aswan lies the site of an ancient Egyptian quarry. The quarry stretches along the Nile River for approximately six kilometers. It was specialized in producing a type of pink granite, which is said to have been mined here and transported to various locations across Egypt via waterways. This granite has been found in nearly all ancient Egyptian sites. Within the quarry site stands a famous unfinished obelisk, dating back to the New Kingdom period. This obelisk was abandoned due to the discovery of cracks at its top. Had it been completed and erected, it would have been the largest obelisk in all of Egypt—41 meters long, over ten stories high, and weighing 1,267 tons. The obelisk features built-in steps that allow visitors to climb up for a panoramic view.

Aswan, Egypt