The Decipherment of the Hieroglyphs
The Decipherment of the Hieroglyphs
The initial hope that the Rosetta Stone would quickly lead to decipherment of the hieroglyphs and translation of the ancient Egyptian language were disappointed. Several scholars, including Silvestre de Sacy, made determined efforts, but with marginal results at best. The first significant steps were taken by the Scottish polymath Thomas Young, and the breakthrough was achieved by Jean François Champollion in 1822, although controversy lingers about the respective values of their accomplishments. With patronage from the influential Duke of Blacas, Champollion extended his initial work through study in European museums and moved beyond cracking the hieroglyphic script to some understanding of the ancient Egyptian language. Blacas also secured a post in the Louvre for Champollion who began building that museum's Egyptian collection. Well-connected scholars like Sir William Gell ensured interchange of information.
Keywords: Silvestre de Sacy, Thomas Young, Jean François Champollion, Lettre à M. Dacier, Précis du Système hiéroglyphique, Duke of Blacas, Sir William Gell, Louvre, Rosetta Stone
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