The Rosetta Stone and what it actually says with Ilona Regulski | Curator's Corner S7 Ep7

Summary

Ilona Regulski, curator in the Department of Egypt and Sudan, introduces the Rosetta Stone and its pivotal role in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. She explains its discovery in 1799, its creation in 196 BC under Ptolemy V, and its inscription in three scripts—hieroglyphs, Demotic, and Greek. The decree honored the king’s achievements, detailing his divine status and contributions to temples and society. Regulski highlights the translation process, distribution across Egypt, and the ceremonial significance of hieroglyphs. The presentation combines historical, linguistic, and cultural insights, inviting viewers to explore the exhibition *Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt* and the continuing legacy of the Rosetta Stone.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Rosetta Stone is a key artifact in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, discovered in 1799 by Napoleon's soldiers in Rosetta (Rashid), Egypt.
• 😀 The Rosetta Stone is inscribed with a decree in three scripts: Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic (a cursive version of hieroglyphs), and Greek.
• 😀 The text on the Rosetta Stone was issued by Egyptian priests in 196 BC during the Ptolemaic Dynasty, honoring King Ptolemy V.
• 😀 The decree lists honors for the king, including statues, processions, and celebrations to elevate him to a divine status, similar to the gods.
• 😀 Ptolemy V is credited with many good deeds, such as protecting Egypt from invaders, lowering taxes, and restoring temples, which led to his divine honors.
• 😀 The Rosetta Stone and similar decrees were distributed across Egypt, with multiple copies found in various locations, confirming the decree's widespread use.
• 😀 The Rosetta Stone's text has been reconstructed in part using other copies of similar decrees from the same era, such as the one found in Naukratis.
• 😀 The Rosetta Stone is missing some parts, particularly the top and sides, but parallel texts help researchers visualize the complete form of the stone.
• 😀 The hieroglyphic version of the decree was likely the last to be composed, showing the priests' connection to ancient Egyptian language and their high social status.
• 😀 The three scripts on the stone were composed in a specific order: Greek first, followed by Demotic, and then hieroglyphs, as Greek was more familiar to the priests of the time.
• 😀 The Rosetta Stone’s inscriptions, along with their religious and ceremonial context, highlight the complex and multicultural society of Egypt during the Ptolemaic period.

Q & A

Who is Ilona Regulski and what is her role in the exhibition?

Ilona Regulski is a curator in the Department of Egypt and Sudan and is currently working on the exhibition 'Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt.'

Why is the Rosetta Stone so important in the study of ancient Egyptian language?

The Rosetta Stone was key in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs because it contains the same decree written in hieroglyphs, demotic, and Greek, and scholars could read the Greek to understand the Egyptian texts.

Where and when was the Rosetta Stone discovered?

It was discovered in 1799 by soldiers of Napoleon's army in the city of Rashid (Rosetta) on the north coast of Egypt.

What does the Rosetta Stone decree primarily discuss?

The decree primarily honors King Ptolemy V, listing divine honors and benefits he received, and prescribes the distribution of copies of the decree in important Egyptian temples.

Which scripts are inscribed on the Rosetta Stone and what languages do they represent?

The top section has hieroglyphs (sacred writing), the middle has demotic (native Egyptian cursive), and the bottom has Greek; both hieroglyphs and demotic represent the Egyptian language, while Greek represents the Greek language.

How were the different versions of the decree likely composed and translated?

The Greek version was probably composed first for administrative purposes, then translated into demotic and hieroglyphs, with hieroglyphs requiring additional adaptation due to its ceremonial nature.

What is the significance of the determinatives in the hieroglyphic script?

Determinatives are silent signs that indicate the meaning of words, such as the stela sign showing the shape of the monument, and help reconstruct missing parts of the text and its original design.

How many copies of the decree are known to exist, and what does this tell us?

At least 28 copies have been found, showing that the decree was widely distributed and helping scholars reconstruct missing sections of the Rosetta Stone.

Why was hieroglyphic writing still used in the second century BC despite being less practical?

Hieroglyphs were ceremonial and restricted to temple use. Priests used it to demonstrate their special status and connection to ancient traditions, even though demotic and Greek were more practical for daily communication.

What does the Rosetta Stone reveal about the multicultural environment of Egypt under Ptolemy V?

It shows that Egypt was a multilingual society, with Greek as the language of administration and education, while Egyptian priests and scribes were bilingual, able to work in Greek and translate texts into Egyptian scripts.

What specific deeds of Ptolemy V are mentioned in the decree to justify his honors?

Ptolemy V protected Egypt from invaders and rebels, restored and built temples, supported the Cult of Sacred Animals, and reduced taxes, all of which were recognized by the priests.

How does the exhibition help visitors understand the Rosetta Stone and hieroglyphs?

The exhibition showcases the Rosetta Stone, explains the decipherment of hieroglyphs, explores the decree’s contents and context, and provides insights into Egyptian scripts, language, and culture during the Ptolemaic period.