It was erected during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose I (circa 1506–1493 BCE) to honor the sun god Amun-Ra, one of the supreme deities of Egypt.

This obelisk is made of red granite, standing about 21 meters tall and weighing approximately 143 tons. The inscriptions on its surface praise the deeds of Thutmose I and the protection of the god Amun-Ra over his reign.

In ancient Egyptian culture, obelisks symbolized sun rays, and erecting them at temples was a way to honor the gods and seek blessings for the country.

At Karnak Temple, the obelisk of Thutmose I stands within the vast complex of the Amun-Ra temple. Karnak is the largest temple complex in ancient Egypt and the site of many important religious festivals. The structures at Karnak not only symbolize religious devotion but also represent the prosperity and power of the Thutmose dynasty.

In addition to its religious significance, this obelisk is also a testament to the advanced construction techniques of ancient Egyptians, from quarrying and transporting to erecting such mᴀssive monuments weighing hundreds of tons.