The Rosetta Stone

The Rosetta Stone is famous. ANd it dates to 196 B.C.E. It belongs to the Ptolemaic period. Also it measures 112.3 x 75.7 x 28.4 cm. Moreover, it is displayed in the British Museum, London.

The key to translating hieroglyphics

The Rosetta Stone is one of the most important objects in the British Museum as it holds the key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs—a script made up of small pictures that was used originally in ancient Egypt for religious texts. Hieroglyphic writing died out in Egypt in the fourth century C.E.. Over time the knowledge of how to read hieroglyphs was lost, until the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799 and its subsequent decipherment.

Discovery of The Rosetta Stone

Soldiers found it in Egypt. First, they dug near Fort St Julien. Then, they uncovered the black tablet. Afterward, French forces took it. However, the British gained possession in 1801. Since then, it has stayed in London.

Key to Translating Hieroglyphs

Hieroglyphs once became unreadable. They vanished after the fourth century C.E. Then, the Rosetta Stone appeared in 1799. Scholars used it to decipher hieroglyphs. First, Thomas Young studied the royal name. Next, Champollion read the language. Thus, Egyptology made great progress.

Opposition to the Ptolemies

In previous years the family of the Ptolemies had lost control of certain parts of the country. It had taken their armies some time to put down opposition in the Delta, and parts of southern Upper Egypt, particularly Thebes, were not yet back under the government’s control.

Before the Ptolemaic era (that is before about 332 B.C.E.), decrees in hieroglyphs such as this were usually set up by the king. It shows how much things had changed from Pharaonic times that the priests, the only people who had kept the knowledge of writing hieroglyphs, were now issuing such decrees. The list of good deeds done by the king for the temples hints at the way in which the support of the priests was ensured.

Material and Shape of The Rosetta Stone

The stone is granodiorite. Also, it has a pink streak. The top is broken. Meanwhile, the back is rough. In contrast, the front is smooth. Moreover, the text forms three bands. They show hieroglyphic, demotic, and Greek scripts.

The Inscriptions of The Rosetta Stone

The text shows the same decree. First, it praises Ptolemy V. Next, priests passed it. Moreover, it marks the king’s first anniversary. The hieroglyphs served religious purposes. The demotic script served daily use. The Greek translation helped scholars. Thus, all three scripts provide context.

Historical Context of The Rosetta Stone

Before Ptolemies, kings made decrees. Then, the priests issued them. They kept hieroglyph knowledge. Moreover, the decree lists good deeds. This ensured priestly support. Opposition existed in some regions. The Delta and Thebes required control.

Analysis and Cleaning of The Rosetta Stone

After discovery, scholars copied the text. Ink revealed letters in reverse. Later, the stone became dirty. Human grease and wax coated it. In 1999, the British Museum cleaned it. They removed all residues carefully. Only one corner stayed untouched. Finally, the inscriptions appeared clearly.

The stone is grey-pink. A pink streak runs through it. Traces of reddish-brown appear in text. Scientists found hydroxyapatite mineral. Iron may cause the color. Whether applied intentionally is unknown.

Translation of the Demotic Text

It records King Ptolemy V’s decree. First, it names the king. Then, it praises his deeds. Moreover, it mentions gods. Also, it celebrates Egypt’s prosperity. Finally, it emphasizes the king’s power.

Cairo Daily Tours with Egypt Tour Guide

First, meet your guide. Then, start the city tour. Next, visit top landmarks. Also, explore old streets. Meanwhile, enjoy local life.

Afterward, see famous sites. For example, visit mosques. Also, walk historic quarters. Then, stop for lunch. Thus, relax and recharge.

Later, enjoy smooth travel. Moreover, hear clear stories. Also, take great photos. Finally, end the day smiling. Therefore, Cairo feels unforgettable.