Answer: Rosetta stone.
Some extra relevant information:
The deciphering of hieroglyphics is regarded as one of the most remarkable achievements in the field of archaeology and linguistics. For centuries, scholars and researchers were baffled by the ancient Egyptian script, which appeared to be a complex combination of symbols and images. However, a significant discovery in the early 19th century paved the way for the decipherment of hieroglyphics.
The breakthrough moment came in 1799 when a French soldier, named Pierre-François Bouchard, uncovered the Rosetta Stone during the Napoleonic campaign in Egypt. This key artifact, dating back to 196 BCE, became instrumental in unlocking the secrets of hieroglyphics. The Rosetta Stone is a slab of black basalt inscribed with the same text in three different scripts: ancient Greek, hieroglyphics, and Demotic (a cursive script used for everyday purposes).
The crucial factor that made decipherment possible was the fact that the Greek inscriptions on the stone were already known and understood. This provided a vital clue to the meaning of the hieroglyphic symbols. The French scholar, Jean-François Champollion, dedicated several years to studying the Rosetta Stone and comparing the Greek text with the hieroglyphics. Through diligent analysis and extensive research, Champollion successfully managed to identify some of the hieroglyphic symbols and their corresponding sounds.
Champollion’s breakthrough came in 1822 when he deciphered the cartouche, a name enclosed in an oval ring, on the Rosetta Stone. By linking the phonetic value of the Greek names in the cartouche to their hieroglyphic equivalents, he was able to identify the name “Ptolemy.” This discovery provided a crucial key to unlocking the phonetic values of other hieroglyphic symbols.
With his decipherment of the hieroglyphics, Champollion opened up a whole new world of knowledge about ancient Egypt. The translation of hieroglyphics allowed researchers to understand the rich history, religion, and literature of this ancient civilization. It shed light on monumental structures, grave inscriptions, and even the daily lives of ordinary Egyptians.
In conclusion, the deciphering of hieroglyphics became possible due to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone. This key artifact, with its inscription in Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphics, provided scholars with the necessary clues to crack the code of the ancient Egyptian script. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Jean-François Champollion, we can now delve into the fascinating world of hieroglyphics and gain insights into the mysteries of ancient Egypt.