Cleopatra's Needle: Not-So-Smooth Sailing Across the Pond
So, you've seen a giant pointy finger sticking out of the ground on the Thames embankment in London and you're wondering, "What on earth is that?" Well, my friend, that's Cleopatra's Needle, and let me tell you, getting it there was an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones (minus the fedora and bullwhip).
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| How Did Cleopatra's Needle Get To London |
A Not-So-Royal Gift
First things first, Cleopatra had about as much to do with this obelisk as your average house cat does with piloting a spaceship. These giant fingers (technically obelisks) are actually ancient Egyptian monuments, and this particular one stood proudly in Alexandria for centuries. Then, in 1819, the ever-so-generous ruler of Egypt, Muhammad Ali of Egypt, decided Britain could use a fancy paperweight and offered it up as a gift.
Side note: Apparently, giant obelisks were all the rage in European capitals back then. Who knew?
The Great Obelisk Odyssey: It Wasn't Exactly Smooth Sailing
Fast forward to 1877. Britain finally decided they wanted their paperweight, and that's when things got interesting. The obelisk weighed a cool 200 tons. Moving it was like trying to relocate a stubborn camel – not exactly easy. Enter Sir William James Erasmus Wilson, a dermatologist with a penchant for Egyptian antiquities.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Sir Wilson (clearly a man of action, unlike some indecisive governments) coughed up £10,000 and they built a special iron monstrosity called the "Cleopatra" – basically a giant metal sausage – to encase the obelisk. This metal sausage, complete with a crew of Maltese sailors (because why not?), was then towed across the Mediterranean by a steamship.
Did you know? The whole ordeal was a bit of a white-knuckle ride. A storm nearly sent Cleopatra and her precious cargo to the bottom of the sea! Thankfully, after a dramatic rescue mission, they limped into port, a little worse for wear but with the obelisk intact.
A Grand Arrival (More or Less)
Cleopatra finally arrived in London in 1878, much to the excitement of the public (who probably hadn't had much obelisk-related entertainment lately). Finding a suitable place to stick this giant stone finger, however, proved to be another challenge. There were disagreements, delays, and even a cheeky salvage claim that threatened to hold the whole thing up.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
Eventually, they settled on the Victoria Embankment, where Cleopatra has resided ever since, a constant reminder of British love of eccentricity and the slightly perilous journey it took to get there.
FAQ: Cleopatra's Needle Edition
How to impress your friends with Cleopatra's Needle knowledge?
Drop this fact: Cleopatra's Needle is older than the Roman Colosseum by about 1,500 years!
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
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How to move a 200-ton obelisk across the sea?
Apparently, a giant metal sausage and a whole lot of hope will do the trick.
How to avoid a salvage claim when transporting priceless antiquities?
Tip: Share this article if you find it helpful.
Maybe bring a lawyer along for the ride?
How many times did Cleopatra visit London?
Zero. Surprise!
How to tell the difference between Cleopatra's Needles?
There are actually two! The other one is chilling in Central Park, New York City.
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