In Our Time The Rosetta Stone
Feb 11, 2021
Join Penelope Wilson, an Associate Professor of Egyptian Archaeology, Campbell Price, Curator of Egypt and Sudan, and Richard Bruce Parkinson, a Professor of Egyptology, as they unravel the secrets of the Rosetta Stone. They discuss its pivotal role in deciphering hieroglyphs, the political dynamics between Egyptian kings and priests, and the collaborative efforts of scholars like Champollion. The conversation also touches on the cultural significance of the stone, its journey to the British Museum, and the ongoing debates about its return to Egypt.
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Rosetta Stone's Scripts and Power Dynamics
- The Rosetta Stone contains three scripts: Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphs.
- This reflects the power dynamics between the Greek-ruling class and the Egyptian population.
Discovery and Acquisition of the Rosetta Stone
- Napoleon's troops discovered the Rosetta Stone in Egypt in 1799.
- Following Napoleon's defeat, it was given to the British Museum by George III.
Rosetta Stone's Origin and Material
- The Rosetta Stone likely originated from a temple in Saïs.
- It was made of hard granitoid material, possibly from Aswan.