How the Rosetta Stone Works

The 'Stuff You Should Know' podcast episode on the Rosetta Stone begins with hosts Josh Clark and Charles W. Chuck Bryant discussing their general knowledge of ancient Egypt and acknowledging that much of this knowledge is owed to the field of Egyptology. They trace the origins of Egyptology back to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, emphasizing its significance in understanding ancient Egyptian language and culture. The hosts recount the historical backdrop of the Rosetta Stone, tying its discovery to Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Egypt and the subsequent stranded French forces' efforts to study Egypt, which included the founding of the Institute of Egypt. The Rosetta Stone, a government decree inscribed in three scripts – Greek, Demotic, and Hieroglyphics – was found by French soldiers and recognized for its potential to unlock the secrets of hieroglyphic script. The episode delves into the competition between French scholar Jean-François Champollion and British polymath Thomas Young to decipher the stone. Champollion's eventual success in translating the hieroglyphics is highlighted as a pivotal moment that gave birth to modern Egyptology. The hosts also touch on the stone's journey to the British Museum and the ongoing debate over its rightful ownership. Throughout the episode, the narrative is interspersed with light-hearted banter and anecdotes, providing context and color to the historical account.