Eine kurze Geschichte über... Der Stein von Rosetta
Sep 22, 2025
Prof. Dr. Stefan Pfeiffer, an ancient historian and co-author on the Rosetta Stone, delves into the fascinating history of this legendary artifact. He explores its discovery by French soldiers in 1799 and why it was created in the first place. The discussion includes the thrilling race for decipherment between scholars like Thomas Young and Champollion, and how this stone gave birth to modern Egyptology. The podcast also tackles the ongoing debate about the stone's repatriation and its significance as a cultural treasure.
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Chance Discovery During Fort Repairs
- Pierre-François Bouchard discovered the Rosetta Stone while rebuilding Fort Julien in 1799.
- He recognized three scripts and understood at once the object's special importance.
Three Scripts Revealed The Same Message
- The Rosetta Stone contains three parallel texts: hieroglyphic, demotic and Greek.
- The readable Greek made scholars realize the other texts likely conveyed the same content.
Why Hieroglyphs Were Forgotten
- Hieroglyphic writing fell out of use by the late 4th century CE and ceased being understood.
- The rise of Christianity diminished the need for sacred hieroglyphic literacy tied to temple rituals.
