Obelisk of Theodosius

"(EN) In 390 Theodosius the Great brought an obelisk from Egypt and erected it inside the racing track. Carved from pink granite, it was originally erected at the Temple of Karnak in Luxor during the reign of Thutmose III in about 1490 BC. Theodosius had the obelisk cut into three pieces and brought to Constantinople. The top section survives, and it stands today where Theodosius placed it, on a marble pedestal. The granite obelisk has survived nearly 3,500 years in good condition. (ES) En el año 390 Teodosio el Grande trajo un obelisco desde Egipto y lo erigió dentro de la pista de carreras. Tallado en granito rosa, fue erigido originalmente en el templo de Karnak en Luxor durante el reinado de Tutmosis III, aproximadamente en el año 1490 a.C. Teodosio hizo cortar el obelisco en tres pedazos y llevarlo a Constantinopla. La sección superior sobrevive y hoy se encuentra donde la colocó Teodosio, sobre un pedestal de mármol. El obelisco de granito ha sobrevivido casi 3.500 años en buen estado."

"The Theodosius Obelisk, also known as Dikilitaş (Turkish for "obelisk") in Sultanahmet, is an impressive ancient Egyptian monument that has stood tall in Istanbul for centuries. Originally erected in Egypt during the 18th Dynasty (1479–1425 BC) by Pharaoh Thutmose III. Transported by Roman Emperor Theodosius I in 390 AD to grace the Hippodrome of Constantinople (present-day Sultanahmet Square). Though originally 30 meters high, damage during transport or installation reduced its height to the present 18.54 meters (with the pedestal, 25.6 meters)."

"This structure dates back to the 4th century AD. One of the oldest pieces of history I've ever seen."