Agonalis obelisk at Piazza Navona

The Agonalis obelisk, located in Piazza Navona, has a rich history that dates back to the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, who ruled from 81 to 96 AD. Originally erected in the Circus of Maxentius in Rome, this obelisk was constructed as a tribute to Domitian and was inspired by the Egyptian sculptural traditions of the time.

It features inscriptions that include the names of Domitian, his father Vespasian, and his brother Titus, which were deciphered by the French scholar Jean François Champollion in the early 19th century. After centuries of neglect, the obelisk was buried and remained hidden until Pope Innocent X ordered its excavation in 1649.

Pope Innocent X commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) in 1651, around which the obelisk was moved and prominently displayed. Today, the Agonalis obelisk remains a significant symbol of the blend of Egyptian culture within Roman art and a central feature of Piazza Navona.

The Agonalis obelisk is characterized by several distinctive features that make it an important art piece in Piazza Navona. Standing at approximately 16.5 meters (about 54 feet) tall, it is made of red granite and is adorned with hieroglyphics that detail the legacy of Emperor Domitian along with references to his family.

The inscriptions are significant because they also served to legitimize Domitian’s reign, reflecting the Roman practice of appropriating aspects of foreign cultures to enhance their own authority.

Another notable feature is the stunning Baroque fountain, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, designed by Bernini, which supports the obelisk. The fountain itself represents four major rivers of the four continents known at the time, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and context of the obelisk’s placement.

The contrast between the ancient obelisk and the surrounding Baroque architecture contributes to the uniqueness of the site, making it a captivating landmark that represents the intersection of different cultural heritages.

The Agonalis obelisk was moved to Piazza Navona to commemorate Pope Innocent X’s papacy and to enhance the grandeur of the area, which is one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. In the early 17th century, the square was being developed into a focal point for both religious and civil life in Rome.

The inclusion of the obelisk within the context of Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi aligned with the Baroque period’s artistic movement, which sought to create dramatic and emotionally impactful public spaces. The obelisk served not just as an artistic and historic monument but also as a symbol of the Church’s power and its connection to the grandeur of ancient Rome.

Pope Innocent X, having been cardinal in the same area before assuming the papacy, had a personal connection to Piazza Navona and wished to elevate its status within the city. The move and installation of the obelisk were pivotal in transforming Piazza Navona into a vibrant public space that celebrated both art and religion.

The Agonalis obelisk holds significant cultural importance today as a testament to the fusion of ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures. Its presence in Piazza Navona highlights the Roman fascination with Egyptian symbolism and aesthetics, a trend that influenced various aspects of Roman art and architecture.

Modern visitors to the obelisk can appreciate it not only as an impressive ancient monument but also as a symbol of the complex history of cultural appropriation in art. It serves as a reminder of how empires draw from each other’s histories to reinforce their identities and power.

In contemporary times, the Agonalis obelisk acts as a gathering point in the lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona, surrounded by cafes and street artists. It provides visitors with a rich narrative that connects them to the historical layers of Rome, while also representing the artistic achievements of the Baroque period.

Furthermore, the obelisk stands as an enduring legacy of the past, attracting tourists, scholars, and locals alike who seek to understand Rome’s multifaceted cultural heritage.

The excavation of the Agonalis obelisk began in 1649 when Pope Innocent X commissioned its uncovering after being aware of its hidden position in the Circus of Maxentius. The obelisk had been buried for centuries, having been lost to time due to the gradual decline of the circus and the urban development that followed in Rome.

Pope Innocent X’s decision to excavate the obelisk aligned with his efforts to enhance the aesthetics of the city, particularly in areas he was personally connected to. Once excavation began, considerable care was taken to ensure the preservation of this ancient artifact. Construction crews carefully removed layers of earth and debris that had accumulated over the centuries.

Upon its excavation, the obelisk was moved to Piazza Navona and installed in the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi designed by Bernini. This required meticulous planning and engineering efforts to ensure that such an ancient and heavy monument could be safely transported and erected without damage, highlighting the skills of Baroque architects and engineers of the time.

The successful excavation and installation of the Agonalis obelisk marked a significant revival of interest in ancient history and ancient art forms during the Baroque period, symbolizing a broader cultural movement within Rome.