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The Rosetta Stone
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The Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone. Fragment of a black granite stele with an inscription in different languages A?a?A?a?of a decree of Ptolemy V Epiphanes king. Ptolemaic era. 196 BC. Writing in hieroglyphical, demotic and greek scripture. British Museum. London. United Kingdom
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Media ID 14322954
© Thaliastock / Mary Evans
Decree Demotic Epiphanes Fragment Granite Granodiorite Hieroglyphic Hieroglyphical Hieroglyphics Inscribed Inscription Language Languages Ptolemaic Ptolemies Ptolemy Rashid Rosetta Sais Script Scripture Showcase Stele
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. The Rosetta Stone: A Window into Ancient Egypt's Multi-Linguistic Past The Rosetta Stone, housed in the British Museum, London, is an awe-inspiring artifact that offers a unique glimpse into the rich and complex history of ancient Egypt. Dated back to 196 BC, this fragment of black granite stele is inscribed with a decree of Ptolemy V Epiphanes, a ruler from the Ptolemaic era. The decree is written in three scripts: hieroglyphic, demotic, and Greek, making it an invaluable resource for scholars seeking to decipher the ancient Egyptian language. The hieroglyphic script, the most ancient of the three, was used for religious and monumental inscriptions. The demotic script, a simplified version of hieroglyphs, was the everyday writing used by the common people. The Greek script, which was widely used throughout the Mediterranean world, was employed for official business and administrative purposes. The Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799 by a French soldier, Pierre-François Bouchard, during Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Egypt. It was later brought to the British Museum in 1802, following the defeat of the French forces. Today, it is considered one of the most famous and significant artifacts in the museum's collection. Measuring approximately 114 cm (45 inches) tall and 76 cm (30 inches) wide, the Rosetta Stone is a testament to the cultural exchange and interconnectedness of the ancient world. Its discovery revolutionized the study of ancient Egyptian civilization and paved the way for a better understanding of its history, language, and culture. The Rosetta Stone's intricate inscriptions and the mystery surrounding its discovery continue to captivate scholars and visitors alike, making it a must-see attraction for anyone interested in ancient history and the wonders of the past.
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