Hieroglyphs: unlocking ancient Egypt

The discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799 unlocked thousands of years of ancient Egyptian culture and led to the most significant code-breaking moment in history. The British Museum's exhibition "Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt" and this accompanying publication tell the story of the Rosetta Stone and other objects that were key to deciphering hieroglyphs. The book shows how the presence of a written language was key to understanding life in ancient Egypt, from everyday business affairs to the sacred secrets of the afterlife.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: British Museum Press

The exhibition "Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt" at the British Museum has received widespread praise from prestigious publications such as The Telegraph, The Times, and Daily Telegraph. In a review featured in Sunday Times Culture magazine, Waldemar Januszczack praised the exhibition as a "dizzying array of artworks" that takes visitors on a journey into the rich history of ancient Egypt.

For centuries, the wonders of ancient Egypt were hidden from the world, locked away in artifacts that could not be understood due to the loss of the ancient Egyptian language. However, in 1799, the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, a slab inscribed with three scripts—hieroglyphs, demotic, and Greek—changed the course of history. This remarkable stone unlocked thousands of years of ancient culture and became one of the most famous museum artifacts in the world.

The British Museums exhibition "Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt" and its accompanying publication serve as a testament to the significance of the Rosetta Stone and other objects that played a crucial role in deciphering the hieroglyphs. The exhibition features fascinating objects from the British Museum and international lenders, showcasing how the presence of a written language was the key to understanding life in ancient Egypt. From everyday business affairs to the sacred secrets of the afterlife, the book delves into the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Interweaving the story of decipherment with colonial history, the book takes readers up to the present day, revealing the ongoing efforts of researchers to unravel the mysteries of this long-surviving civilization. By studying their writing, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and achievements of ancient Egypt, shedding light on the legacy of this remarkable civilization.

Published to coincide with the bicentenary of Jean-François Champollions breakthrough in hieroglyphic decipherment, the book offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the subject. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in ancient history, archaeology, or language studies.

In conclusion, the exhibition "Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt" at the British Museum has received widespread acclaim for its stunning visuals, informative content, and ability to transport visitors back in time. Through the exploration of the Rosetta Stone and other artifacts, the exhibition provides a unique perspective on the history and culture of ancient Egypt, shedding light on the legacy of this remarkable civilization.

Weight: 1820g
Dimension: 280 x 250 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780714191287