echiromani:VaticanoThe Vatican obelisk originally belonged to the Forum Julium in Alexandria, where
echiromani:VaticanoThe Vatican obelisk originally belonged to the Forum Julium in Alexandria, where it had been erected by the prefect Cornelius Gallus on Augustus’s orders around 30–28 BC. It was brought to Rome by Caligula in 37 for the spina of the Vatican Circus. There it stood without falling until it was relocated by Pope Sixtus V in 1586 using a method devised by Domenico Fontana. During the Middle Ages, a gilt ball on top of the obelisk was believed to contain the ashes of Julius Caesar.Because it was at the Vatican Circus that St. Peter was martyred in 68 AD, this obelisk was probably one of the last sights that he would have seen as he was put to death for preaching the Gospel. It was exorcised before its re-erection, and the base is inscribed with words from the First Vespers of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: Behold the Cross of the Lord: flee, bands of enemies. He has conquered, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. -- source link