The discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799 by French soldiers during Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt marked a significant milestone in the study of ancient languages and cultures. This notable artifact in ancient translation is a stone slab bearing a decree issued in 196 BCE in Memphis, Egypt, under the reign of King Ptolemy V. The decree is inscribed in three scripts: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic script (a cursive script used for everyday purposes), and Ancient Greek.
Since 1802, the Rosetta Stone has been prominently displayed at the British Museum in London, attracting a large number of visitors. This discovery holds immense importance as it not only signifies ancient translation endeavours but also provides modern scholars with the opportunity to study and decode Egyptian hieroglyphs. The translation of the Ancient Greek portion of the inscription provided the initial breakthrough in understanding the content of the text. By comparing the Greek text with the hieroglyphic and Demotic texts, scholars such as Jean-François Champollion and Thomas Young were able to identify corresponding words and phrases, leading to the eventual decipherment of hieroglyphs.
The decipherment of hieroglyphs facilitated access to Egypt’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Translating the inscriptions on monuments, tombs, and papyri allowed scholars to reconstruct ancient Egyptian literature, religious texts, administrative documents, and historical records. This expanded understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization had profound implications for fields such as archaeology, history, and linguistics, demonstrating the power of comparative linguistic analysis and the role of translation in bridging linguistic barriers.
Today, there is a notable movement of Egyptians advocating for the return of the Rosetta Stone from the British Museum, reflecting a growing sentiment among many Egyptians regarding the repatriation of cultural artifacts that hold significant historical and cultural value to their homeland. Regarding this aspect, there is not a single point of view. While some may argue that cultural artifacts like the Rosetta Stone should remain in institutions like the British Museum for preservation purposes and to allow for greater global accessibility, many others consider returning such artifacts to their countries of origin as a form of restitution for past injustices.
The Rosetta Stone and what it actually says with Ilona Regulski | Curator’s Corner S7 Ep7
In this episode of Curator’s Corner, Ilona Regulski, a curator at the British Museum, delves into the fascinating story of the Rosetta Stone. Discovered in 1799, this ancient artifact has played a crucial role in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. Ilona Regulski explains the historical context of the stone, its inscriptions in three scripts—Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphic—and how these texts unlocked the secrets of an ancient civilization. Join her as she explores what the Rosetta Stone actually says and its significance in the field of Egyptology.
In this video, several crucial aspects of the Rosetta Stone are explored, shedding light on its historical significance and content:
00:39 Where was the Rosetta Stone found?
01:46 What languages are on the Rosetta Stone?
02:20 What does the Rosetta Stone actually say?
05:14 How many copies of the Rosetta Stone are there?
07:30 What was on the missing parts of the Rosetta Stone?
09:15 Which language was written first on the Rosetta Stone?
12:31 What the hieroglyphs say on the Rosetta Stone.
Sandra is a dedicated communication professional who excels in bringing stories to life as a Spanish voice-over artist and narrator. With a background in ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching and translation, Sandra also brings extensive experience as a web designer to her work. She is committed to crafting engaging content and supporting personal growth through language. She strives to stay current in English-Spanish Translation, continually enhancing her expertise to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
