Obelisk of Axum
The Obelisk of Axum is a monumental stone structure located in Axum, Ethiopia. It stands about 24 meters tall and is made of granite, featuring intricate carvings and inscriptions. This obelisk is believed to date back to the 4th century AD and is associated with the ancient Aksumite Empire, which was a powerful civilization in the region.
Originally, the obelisk served as a marker for a royal tomb, symbolizing the wealth and power of the Aksumite kings. In the 20th century, it was taken to Italy as a trophy of war but was returned to Ethiopia in 2005. Today, it is a significant cultural and historical landmark.