Construction
A 32-m- (105-ft-) tall obelisk is made for Pharaoh Thutmose III, the largest from ancient times. It stands today at the Church of San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome. Obelisks are tapering granite shafts capped with small metal-coated pyramids (pyramidions) that reflect the rays of the sun god that the obelisks are supposed to honor. However, most obelisks were erected with inscriptions boasting of the feats of the ruler who had them built, not prayers to the god. See also 1500 bce Astronomy.
Stonehenge achieves the form in which it is known today. See also 2200 bce Construction.
ToolsThe use of a balance with a pointer for weighing is developed in Egypt. See also 2000 bce Tools.
TransportationBarges about 60 m (200 ft) long, constructed for carrying obelisks, such as the 32-m (105-ft) one made for Thutmose III, are the largest ships to this time. See also 2450 bce Transportation; 1400 bce Transportation.
