Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

stelae

noun

ˈsteɪ.ləɪ

Definition

Stelae are upright stone or wooden slabs, often inscribed with text or decorated with reliefs, that serve as monuments or markers.

Examples

The ancient Egyptians often erected stelae to mark the graves of their pharaohs.
Archaeologists discovered several stelae in the ancient city, each detailing the life of a different ruler.
Stelae can be found in various cultures, serving a range of purposes from funerary to ceremonial.

Meaning

The term ‘stelae’ refers to plural forms of ‘stela,’ which are often used to commemorate significant events, honor individuals, or indicate burial sites.