Why did the ancient Egyptians build obelisks?

Obelisks were tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monuments that were built in ancient Egypt for religious and ceremonial purposes. They were constructed by ancient Egyptians during the 4th dynasty in the Old Kingdom period around 2613 BC to 2494 BC. The ancient Egyptians believed that obelisks were a symbol of the sun god Ra and were designed to commemorate their pharaohs.

Obelisks were often erected in pairs at the entrance of temples or as part of a larger temple complex. They were constructed from a single piece of stone, usually red granite, and could reach up to 30 meters (98 feet) in height, making them one of the tallest structures of their time. Obelisks were often inscribed with hieroglyphics or illustrations, which told stories of the pharaohs and their achievements.

Building an obelisk was a difficult task that required a large workforce and skilled craftsmen. Ancient Egyptians would quarry the stone from the ground, shape it using copper chisels and then transport it to the construction site. The obelisk was then carved with inscriptions and lifted into place using levers and pulleys.