Obelisks of Rome

All throughout the Rome photos are obelisks, usually as a centerpiece of a square or piazza.  The obelisks were many times originated in ancient Egypt and were considered a pagan symbol. Either as gifts from a pharaoh, or later as spoils of war, obelisks came to Rome and were placed around the city.  When Christianity became a significant factor in Rome, the Church took control of many obelisks and topped them with a cross, sanctifying what had been a pagan symbol and converting it to a Christian symbol.  Look closely at the photos in the variuos Rome photo albums, and you can see the cross atop many of the obelisks.

Obelisks of Rome