An Egyptian obelisk is a tall, four-sided stone pillar that tapers to a point at the top. These monuments were often carved from a single piece of granite and typically stood in pairs at the entrances of temples. They were inscribed with hieroglyphs that celebrated the achievements of pharaohs and the gods. Obelisks were originally erected in ancient Egypt around 2500 BCE and symbolized the sun's rays. Many obelisks were later transported to other parts of the world, including Rome and New York City, where they continue to serve as historical landmarks and reminders of ancient Egyptian culture.