Deciphering the Rosetta Stone

What is the course about?

This course will further your knowledge of the Rosetta Stone and the decipherment of hieroglyphs. For centuries hieroglyphs had been little more than unintelligible ‘birds and zigzags’ carved into stone, a tantalising mystery for early scholars. Their decipherment suddenly made silent stones speak, and allowed millions of papyri and inscriptions to tell us about a whole lost world that still grips today’s world with fascination. Many know that hieroglyphs were deciphered after the Rosetta Stone was found, but this course will delve further into the process to show you exactly how that happened.

What will we cover?

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 artefacts in the British Museum’s Decipherment exhibition, including 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.

Be aware that the afternoon session requires standing for a fairly long periods of time and walking around the galleries at the British Museum, so it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. A limited number of folding stools are available at the Main entrance of the Museum on Great Russell Street.

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 tour in the British Museum’s Decipherment exhibition 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. 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 course at City Lit.