The Role of Greeks in the Decipherment of Egyptian Hieroglyphs

Event Details

The Greek Community of Melbourne is pleased to announce an upcoming lecture as part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars. The lecture, titled "The Role of Greek in the Decipherment of Egyptian Hieroglyphs," will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 7:00 pm. Dr. Andrew Connor, a lecturer in Ancient History at Monash University's Centre for Ancient Cultures, will be delivering the lecture. This event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the fascinating topic of deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs and the significant influence of the Greek language.

Dr Andrew Connor is a distinguished academic, currently serving as the Lecturer in Ancient History at the Centre for Ancient Cultures, Monash University. With expertise in the history and archaeology of Classical Greece, the Hellenistic world, and the Roman Empire, he also imparts knowledge on the ancient Greek and Latin languages. His research focuses on society, religion, and the economy in Egypt under Ptolemaic and Roman rule, with a particular emphasis on studying Greek-language documents preserved on papyrus. His latest publication, "Confiscation or Coexistence: Egyptian Temples in the Age of Augustus," published by the University of Michigan Press, has been widely acclaimed.

During the lecture, he will delve into the transformative decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs, an achievement that revolutionized the study of ancient Egypt. This captivating international story involves the collaboration of scholars from Egypt, France, the United Kingdom, and other nations. Notably attributed to the renowned French Egyptologist Jean-François Champollion, this ground breaking decipherment owes its success to the interplay between the Greek language and historical context.

Emphasizing on the Rosetta Stone, the talk will explore the motivations behind its creation, the significance it commemorates, its journey to the British Museum, and the pivotal role played by the Greek inscription in Champollion's efforts. This lecture presents both an ancient and modern narrative—an exploration of how Greeks aided Macedonian monarchs, Egyptian priests, and 19th-century scholars in comprehending the complex world of the eastern Mediterranean in antiquity, ultimately creating a global icon.

This event is open to the public, and all individuals interested in Greek history and culture are encouraged to attend. Gain valuable insights into the captivating story of deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs and the indispensable role played by the Greek language.

When: Thursday, 8 June 2023. Time: 7:00 pm

Where: Greek Centre, (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne)