Why The Romans Stole A 400-Ton Egyptian Obelisk

Taking monuments and absorbing the prestige of an ancient culture

The Lateran Obelisk At The Archbasilica Of Saint John Lateran In Rome (Originally Located In The Circus Maximus) — Via Google Earth

History is often a recorded description of wars and one group conquering another for various reasons. Usually, it revolves around territory, resources, or power. Although something baser often gets forgotten.

Namely, conquering an enemy or neighbor is a good way to accumulate wealth through the spoils of war, and we have many examples.

Before and during WWII, it’s estimated the Nazis may have stolen one-fifth of all the movable art in occupied Europe. That’s not including gold, currency, and other treasures, either.

While “sack” is often applied to NFL quarterbacks or as a euphemism for getting fired, its origin is meant to plunder a captured city. In this regard, a few things were out of bounds. People, property, and cultural heritage could often be taken away as war booty.

In the ancient world, there was even a practice called godnapping, where an army would steal a city’s god (the physical representation of the deity) to keep the population compliant.

But the ancient Romans took the sacking to another level. They were unparalleled conquerors and kleptomaniacs. After defeating Marc Antony and Cleopatra in a civil war and…