It was placed on the central Spina of Caligula’s circus, later called the Circus of Nero. Much of the circus is under the basilica and square, the original spot for the obelisk is near the present-day sacristy, south of the basilica. The Circus of Nero was not only used for chariot racing, but also for countless brutal public executions of Christians, who were blamed for the big fires in Rome in 64 AD. It is believed that the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul were crucified in the Circus. The obelisk remained there for 1.500 years. Then in 1586 Pope Sixtus V decided to have the obelisk moved a few hundred meters to its present location, in front of the construction site of the (new) St. Peter Basilica. Sixtus V, who desired to recover and restore statues and obelisks in the neglected city of Rome, was challenged by the idea of Nicholas V. At that time many believed that those who would adore and pray to an image were likely to believe the god represented by it was alive in the stone and watching their behavior. Probably Pope Sixtus V also believed this and that is why, after the obelisk was moved and before the cross was placed on top, he conducted the ancient rite of exorcism against the obelisk. After that he cast sanctified water upon the pillar in the form of a cross and spoke, “In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen” (“In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen”). The text of the exorcism is carved in Latin into the western and eastern sides of the base of the obelisk.
I sat next to the obelisk a couple of weeks ago for a couple of hours, moving around it as the sun moved so I could be in the shade while my family stood in line for a couple of hours to go in the Basilica. I now wish I had paid more attention while I was sitting there, it was over 90 degrees and full sun, was tired from walking. I have been inside the Vatican before but not before “symbolism will be their downfall” so I wanted to go back in and have a looksee but these old bones weren’t able to stand in the hot sun to get in. Then I get home and read how Barr, Pompeo, etc have been in Rome!
As a Roman Citizen, St. Paul was not subject to crucifixion. IIRC he was beheaded.
Mark
Q Anon: 09/28/19 Trust Trump’s Plan ~ Vol.179, Q Day 701
10/2/2019, 1:26:45 AM · 1,210 of 1,538
pbear8 to TEXOKIE
The tall figure is an obelisk, if that is what you mean. Here is some information about it. Interestingly, it was the last thing that St Peter saw before he died. Please ignore this if I misunderstood your question.
It was placed on the central Spina of Caligula’s circus, later called the Circus of Nero. Much of the circus is under the basilica and square, the original spot for the obelisk is near the present-day sacristy, south of the basilica. The Circus of Nero was not only used for chariot racing, but also for countless brutal public executions of Christians, who were blamed for the big fires in Rome in 64 AD. It is believed that the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul were crucified in the Circus. The obelisk remained there for 1.500 years. Then in 1586 Pope Sixtus V decided to have the obelisk moved a few hundred meters to its present location, in front of the construction site of the (new) St. Peter Basilica. Sixtus V, who desired to recover and restore statues and obelisks in the neglected city of Rome, was challenged by the idea of Nicholas V. At that time many believed that those who would adore and pray to an image were likely to believe the god represented by it was alive in the stone and watching their behavior. Probably Pope Sixtus V also believed this and that is why, after the obelisk was moved and before the cross was placed on top, he conducted the ancient rite of exorcism against the obelisk. After that he cast sanctified water upon the pillar in the form of a cross and spoke, “In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen” (“In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen”). The text of the exorcism is carved in Latin into the western and eastern sides of the base of the obelisk.
Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1177 | View Replies
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Thanks so very much for the wonderful information! I do appreciate it muchly!
What I was wanting to know about is the statue at the base of the Obelisk. It has what look to me as three figures. Using TXnMA’s image of the Vatican, the middle figure appears to be a human with his / her back to us. I can’t make out what the other two figures are. If I don’t know what to call it, I can’t do a search for the image so I can see it!LOL!
TXnMA, I appreciate greatly your posting that image of the Vatican. I know I am not very well acquainted with that complex and its history as it might be desirous to be.
Thank you for that information.