Question

The Rosetta Stone was used to do what and why did it work? a) Translate hieroglyphics to Greek; it contained the same text in multiple languages. b) Translate Greek to Latin; it was engraved with detailed language rules. c) Translate Latin to Egyptian; it contained a dictionary of words. d) Translate Egyptian to Hebrew; it was inscribed with religious texts.

Answer 1

a) Translate hieroglyphics to Greek; it contained the same text in multiple languages

The Rosetta Stone was used to translate Egyptian hieroglyphics to Greek. It contained the same text in hieroglyphics, demotic script, and ancient Greek, enabling scholars to decode hieroglyphics. This has greatly enriched our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Rosetta Stone was used to translate hieroglyphics to Greek. The reason it worked and became such a significant tool in language research is that it contained the same text in three different scripts: Egyptian hieroglyphics, Egyptian demotic script, and ancient Greek. As scholars knew how to read ancient Greek, they were able to decipher the other two scripts and, by extension, Egyptian hieroglyphics.

This artefact represents an important milestone in understanding Egyptian hieroglyphics, a complex writing system developed around 3000 BCE which used a combination of alphabetic signs, syllabic signs, word signs, and representations of objects to convey information.

The discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799 greatly affected human life, it contributed to advancements in areas such as archaeology, philosophy, and communication. By providing a key to a previously indecipherable language, it has expanded our understanding of ancient cultures.

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