There are few things that are more mysterious and opaque than the Rosetta Stone. Or so one would think. Did you know that there is more than one stone extant today? It features the same text inscribed in three different scripts: Greek, Demotic, and Egyptian hieroglyphs. This made it a crucial tool for linguists. Since Greek was a well-understood language, scholars used it as a reference to decode the other two scripts.
Before the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, the meaning of Egyptian hieroglyphs was largely unknown. The stone provided the breakthrough that allowed scholars, most notably Jean-François Champollion, to decipher the hieroglyphic script in 1822, opening up a vast amount of knowledge about ancient Egyptian civilization.
But did you know that there is more than just one Rosetta Stone? Although there were countless versions and copies, There is only one original Rosetta Stone, which is a granodiorite stele inscribed with a decree issued in 196 BC during the Ptolemaic dynasty. This artifact, which was key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, was
Given the crude methodologies in the past, the stone discovered in 1799 is currently housed in the British Museum in London: it’s in very safe hands. The good thing is that you can visit the Museum for free when you’re in London, and you can spend as much time as you like. Watch the video above and then see it up close and personal.
While you’re there, get even smarter by taking the Official National Gallery highlights 1-hour guided tour. Enjoy the opportunity to explore the National Gallery on a guided tour. Discover the history of the collection and the stories behind the pieces during the tour, and continue your exploration by yourself afterward.
Listen to the story of European art as you admire the various masterpieces the National Gallery holds. The Gallery holds some of the greatest paintings in the world. Admire the more than 2.600 paintings from Medieval, to Renaissance, Impressionists up to the modern days. Your Blue Badge Guide will lead you around the Gallery for approximately one hour. Before and after the tour, you are welcome to explore at your own leisure. To book click here.
How about a Gin lovers afternoon tea bus tour from Trafalgar Square? Prepare for an extraordinary adventure as Bombay Sapphire collaborates with Brigit’s Bakery to offer the ultimate gin lovers afternoon tea bus tour in London. Click here
We love the nHow hotel in London. Located in London, 1.2 miles from King’s Cross St Pancras Tube Station, nhow London has accommodations with free bikes, private parking, a fitness center and a restaurant. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is 1.4 miles from St Paul’s Cathedral, and within 2.2 miles of the city center. We’ve stayed there. It’s a hoot. Click here to book.
Take the train, plane or bus to London. OMIO has all of the options. Click here.