Stelae are upright stone slabs or pillars that often serve as monuments or markers. They can be inscribed with text, images, or symbols, and are commonly found in ancient cultures. Stelae were used for various purposes, including commemorating important events, marking graves, or serving as boundary markers. These structures are significant in archaeology and history, as they provide insights into the beliefs, customs, and languages of the civilizations that created them. Notable examples of stelae include those from the Maya civilization and the Ancient Egyptians, which often feature intricate carvings and hieroglyphs.