Source A: Explanation of Hieroglyphics and the Rosetta Stone

'Hieroglyphics was the writing system used by ancient Egyptians, consisting of symbols and pictures. The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799, was crucial because it had the same text written in three scripts: Greek, Demotic, and Hieroglyphic. This allowed scholars to decode hieroglyphics for the first time.'

Provenance: Excerpt from a history textbook, 2020.

Key Terms:

• Hieroglyphics: The picture-based writing system used by ancient Egyptians.
• Decipher: To decode or interpret a code or language.
• Script: A particular system of writing.
• Translation: The process of converting text from one language/script to another.
• Glyph: A symbol or character used in hieroglyphic writing.

Source B: Definition of Key Terms

'Hieroglyphics were a complex system of symbols that required extensive study to understand. The process of deciphering involved comparing known languages, such as Greek, with unknown symbols.'

Source C: Historian View

'The discovery of the Rosetta Stone was a turning point in Egyptology. It allowed scholars to translate countless inscriptions, leading to a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian culture, history, and language.'

Provenance: Expert commentary from a historian, 2015.

The discovery and analysis of the Rosetta Stone marked a major advancement in the study of ancient Egypt. Its role in deciphering hieroglyphics opened a window into a rich and complex civilization that had been largely inaccessible before. Understanding these symbols helps us appreciate the complexity of ancient writing systems and the importance of archaeological discoveries in historical research.