Word: obelisk
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Dates: during 1880-1889
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...these tales they treat of the society of Cairo. The city is situated on a sandy plain near the point of the delta of the Nile and is surrounded by objects of great interest-the Pyramids on the west, the Necropolis of Thebes on the south, and the obelisk marking the site of the ancient Heliopolis on the north. The name Cairo comes from the ancient Arabic and means "Victorious Capital." The city itself is not remarkably old, the first settlement being made in the seventh century in what is now one of the suburbs. For 250 years the Mamelukes...
This harbor was enlarged and perfected by the emperor Claudius. In the course of this work cassions were first used; the great ship which had brought over the obelisk that now stands in Rome, from Egypt, was filled with concrete until it sank to the bottom. Then the stone work was built around it and up to above water-level. On top of the break-water a mighty lighthouse, in imitation of the famous Pharos, was erected. All Rome's demands were supplied through Ostia and we therefore find enormous warehouses there...