Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: Late 1st Century BC - Early 1st Century AD Dimensions: 1.85" Height x 1.15" Width (4.7 cm x 3 cm) Medium: Red Granite This diminutive block is part of an ancient miniature souvenir reproduction of the monumental Obelisk of Montecitorio found in Rome. The preserved stone element is the base, which is drilled at the top for insertion of the now-missing obelisk. Skillfully carved out of a beautiful rich red granite, it is a charming and extremely rare artifact commemorating the fall of the final Egyptian dynasty to Rome. A Latin inscription on the face reads: IMP. CAESAR DIVI F. / AVGVSTVS / PONTIFEX MAXIMVS / IMP. XII COS. XI TRIB. POT. XIV / AEGVPTO IN POTESTATEM / POPVLI ROMANI REDACTA / SOLI DONVM DEDIT. This translates to "General Caesar, son of divine (Caesar) Augustus, the Pontifex Maximus, General twelve [times], consul eleven [times], tributan power fourteen [times], with Egypt having been reduced into the power of the Roman people, (Augustus) has given this gift to the sun."