Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course will introduce participants to the surprising mechanics of Hieroglyphs, the competitive history of their decipherment, the techniques for deciphering an undeciphered script, the ancient tools that helped the process, and the charismatic figures who played a part in this great feat. In the afternoon, you will study the world-famous Rosetta Stone itself.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
You will learn about history from two distant but connected periods: ancient Egypt and 19th century Europe. From the former period, you will learn what the Rosetta Stone actually says and what it was originally used for, and you will learn the basics of how hieroglyphs work and the importance of their invention. From the latter period, you will learn about the dramatic story of how the Rosetta Stone was deciphered, about the political competitions that surrounded it, about the key figures who solved this famous puzzle, and about the strokes of genius that allowed them to do it. You will understand one of the world’s most famous artefacts in much greater detail, and you will better appreciate a fascinating point in history.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for beginners. No previous knowledge of Egyptian language or history is required. As the course is taught in English, please read the outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support with your English skills to help you take part fully in this class.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
In the morning, you will be taught through an interactive and discussion-based lecture on the City Lit campus, followed by a visit to the British Museum after lunch. Verbal participation will be strongly encouraged, and there will be small tasks like deciphering the first simple hieroglyphs that were ever deciphered.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Comfortable footwear is recommended to make walking around and standing up at the British Museum in the afternoon easier.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Another Ancient Cilvilisation or Egyptology course at City Lit.
Hugo Cook studied Egyptology at Oxford and Cambridge universities. He can read six ancient languages and has worked as an Egyptologist in galleries, TV documentaries, educational institutions, and publications. Recently he has been working on a major new museum in Egypt and is writing a new book on Egyptology for Macmillan Publishers. He develops online Egyptological content for over 90,000 followers. Nothing gives him more joy than discussing antiquity with interested students.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/deciphering-the-rosetta-stone1173931Deciphering the Rosetta Stonehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/deciphering-rosetta-stone-rc436-square_6.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations22851177119111921228511771191<p>Discover some of the most popular myths and legends of Ancient Egypt.</p>153030820Deciphering the Rosetta Stone7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/deciphering-rosetta-stone-rc436-square_6_6.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-10-24T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesRC4367979Deciphering the Rosetta Stone635179Hugo Cookdeciphering-the-rosetta-stone/rc436-2627<p>Discover some of the most popular myths and legends of Ancient Egypt.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-24 00:00:00<p>This information will be provided soon.</p><p>Discover some of the most popular myths and legends of Ancient Egypt.</p><p>This course will introduce participants to the surprising mechanics of Hieroglyphs, the competitive history of their decipherment, the techniques for deciphering an undeciphered script, the ancient tools that helped the process, and the charismatic figures who played a part in this great feat. In the afternoon, you will study the world-famous Rosetta Stone itself.</p>You will learn about history from two distant but connected periods: ancient Egypt and 19th century Europe. From the former period, you will learn what the Rosetta Stone actually says and what it was originally used for, and you will learn the basics of how hieroglyphs work and the importance of their invention. From the latter period, you will learn about the dramatic story of how the Rosetta Stone was deciphered, about the political competitions that surrounded it, about the key figures who solved this famous puzzle, and about the strokes of genius that allowed them to do it. You will understand one of the world’s most famous artefacts in much greater detail, and you will better appreciate a fascinating point in history.<p>This course is suitable for beginners. No previous knowledge of Egyptian language or history is required. As the course is taught in English, please read the outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support with your English skills to help you take part fully in this class.</p><p>In the morning, you will be taught through an interactive and discussion-based lecture on the City Lit campus, followed by a visit to the British Museum after lunch. Verbal participation will be strongly encouraged, and there will be small tasks like deciphering the first simple hieroglyphs that were ever deciphered.</p><p>No other costs. Comfortable footwear is recommended to make walking around and standing up at the British Museum in the afternoon easier.</p><p>Another Ancient Cilvilisation or Egyptology course at City Lit.</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsvirtual637951RC436NONESat24/10/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetHugo CookBeginnersAvailable courses2026-10-24T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities7979Deciphering the Rosetta Stonedeciphering-the-rosetta-stone/rc436-2627<p>Discover some of the most popular myths and legends of Ancient Egypt.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-24 00:00:00<p>This information will be provided soon.</p><p>Discover some of the most popular myths and legends of Ancient Egypt.</p><p>This course will introduce participants to the surprising mechanics of Hieroglyphs, the competitive history of their decipherment, the techniques for deciphering an undeciphered script, the ancient tools that helped the process, and the charismatic figures who played a part in this great feat. In the afternoon, you will study the world-famous Rosetta Stone itself.</p>You will learn about history from two distant but connected periods: ancient Egypt and 19th century Europe. From the former period, you will learn what the Rosetta Stone actually says and what it was originally used for, and you will learn the basics of how hieroglyphs work and the importance of their invention. From the latter period, you will learn about the dramatic story of how the Rosetta Stone was deciphered, about the political competitions that surrounded it, about the key figures who solved this famous puzzle, and about the strokes of genius that allowed them to do it. You will understand one of the world’s most famous artefacts in much greater detail, and you will better appreciate a fascinating point in history.<p>This course is suitable for beginners. No previous knowledge of Egyptian language or history is required. As the course is taught in English, please read the outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support with your English skills to help you take part fully in this class.</p><p>In the morning, you will be taught through an interactive and discussion-based lecture on the City Lit campus, followed by a visit to the British Museum after lunch. Verbal participation will be strongly encouraged, and there will be small tasks like deciphering the first simple hieroglyphs that were ever deciphered.</p><p>No other costs. Comfortable footwear is recommended to make walking around and standing up at the British Museum in the afternoon easier.</p><p>Another Ancient Cilvilisation or Egyptology course at City Lit.</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsconfigurable
11921191Ancient civilisationshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/ancient-civilisations/ancient-civilisations-11/2/285/1177/1191/11921/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations
