That pointy thing on the Thames? Meet Cleopatra's (not-so-secret) Needle!
Ever been strolling along the Thames in London and spotted a giant, pointy finger sticking out from the ground? Wondered what that ancient Egyptian artifact was doing chilling in merry ol' England? Well, my friend, you've stumbled upon Cleopatra's Needle, and it's got a story wilder than a Monty Python sketch!
Not Actually Cleopatra's (But Close Enough)
Yes, the name is a bit of a misnomer. This obelisk, though undeniably majestic, never actually met the famous Cleopatra. It predates her by a good two millennia! Carved around 1450 BC, the needle was originally erected in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis by Pharaoh Thutmose III. It then got a royal relocation to Alexandria around 12 BC, where it stood tall...well, until the 1800s.
A Gift (Eventually) Fit for a Queen (of England)
In 1819, the Muhammad Ali of Egypt, feeling particularly generous, offered the obelisk to Britain as a token of appreciation for some military victories. Problem was, this thing was HUGE and heavy. Shipping it across the Mediterranean was a logistical nightmare (and frankly, a bit expensive). So, the offer sat around gathering dust (or maybe sand?) for almost 60 years.
Finally, in 1877, with some fancy engineering techniques (think giant metal rods and a specially built ship), Cleopatra's Needle finally made it across the waves. It was erected on the Victoria Embankment in 1878, where it's been a London landmark ever since.
Sphinx Spoofers and Bomb Scares: A Not-So-Quiet Life
Cleopatra's Needle hasn't exactly had a boring life on the Thames. It's been flanked by two rather ahem unconventionally posed sphinxes (apparently, backwards sphinxes are all the rage in faux-Egyptian architecture). It's even survived a World War I bomb scare (phew!).
So there you have it! The next time you're by the Thames, take a moment to appreciate this ancient wonder. Cleopatra might not have had anything to do with it, but it's still a pretty neat addition to the London skyline.
Cleopatra's Needle: Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to Cleopatra's Needle?
Cleopatra's Needle is located on the Victoria Embankment in central London. The closest underground stations are Charing Cross and Embankment.
How old is Cleopatra's Needle?
The obelisk itself was carved around 1450 BC, making it over 3,400 years old!
How tall is Cleopatra's Needle?
Cleopatra's Needle stands at a whopping 21 meters (68 feet) tall.
Can you climb Cleopatra's Needle?
Unfortunately, no. Cleopatra's Needle is closed to the public for climbing.
Is Cleopatra's Needle the only one of its kind?
Nope! There's another matching obelisk, also called Cleopatra's Needle, chilling in New York City's Central Park.
