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Ptolemies Collection

The Ptolemies were a dynasty of Greek rulers who reigned over Egypt for nearly three centuries

Background imagePtolemies Collection: Different Ptolemies and their Queens (engraving)

Different Ptolemies and their Queens (engraving)
5200855 Different Ptolemies and their Queens (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Different Ptolemies and their Queens)

Background imagePtolemies Collection: The Rosetta Stone

The Rosetta Stone. Fragment of a black granite stele with an inscription in different languages A?a?A?a?of a decree of Ptolemy V Epiphanes king. Ptolemaic era. 196 BC

Background imagePtolemies Collection: The Rosetta Stone. Hieroglyphic scripture

The Rosetta Stone. Hieroglyphic scripture
The Rosetta Stone. Fragment of a black granite stele with an inscription in different languages A?a?A?a?of a decree of Ptolemy V Epiphanes king. Hieroglyphic scripture. Detail. Ptolemaic era. 196 BC

Background imagePtolemies Collection: The Rosetta Stone. Demotic scripture

The Rosetta Stone. Demotic scripture
The Rosetta Stone. Fragment of a black granite stele with an inscription in different languages A?a?A?a?of a decree of Ptolemy V Epiphanes king. Ptolemaic era. 196 BC. Detail. Demotic scripture

Background imagePtolemies Collection: The Rosetta Stone. Greek scripture

The Rosetta Stone. Greek scripture
The Rosetta Stone. Fragment of a black granite stele with an inscription in different languages A?a?A?a?of a decree of Ptolemy V Epiphanes king. Greek scripture. Detail. Ptolemaic era. 196 BC

Background imagePtolemies Collection: The Rosetta Stone. Hieroglyphical and demotic scripture

The Rosetta Stone. Hieroglyphical and demotic scripture
The Rosetta Stone. Fragment of a black granite stele with an inscription in different languages A?a?A?a?of a decree of Ptolemy V Epiphanes. Ptolemaic era. 196 BC

Background imagePtolemies Collection: The Rosetta Stone. Hieroglyphical scripture

The Rosetta Stone. Hieroglyphical scripture
The Rosetta Stone. Fragment of a black granite stele with an inscription in different languages A?a?A?a?of a decree of Ptolemy V Epiphanes king. Ptolemaic era. 196 BC. Detail

Background imagePtolemies Collection: The Rosetta Stone. Demotic and Greek scripture

The Rosetta Stone. Demotic and Greek scripture
The Rosetta Stone. Fragment of a black granite stele with an inscription in different languages A?a?A?a?of a decree of Ptolemy V Epiphanes king. Ptolemaic era. 196 BC. Demotic and Greek scripture

Background imagePtolemies Collection: Cleopatra, from Crabbs Historical Dictionary, published 1825 (litho)

Cleopatra, from Crabbs Historical Dictionary, published 1825 (litho)
KW309125 Cleopatra, from Crabbs Historical Dictionary, published 1825 (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imagePtolemies Collection: Cleopatra taken to Rome in Triumph by Augustus, c. 1653 (etching) (b / w photo)

Cleopatra taken to Rome in Triumph by Augustus, c. 1653 (etching) (b / w photo)
XJF275574 Cleopatra taken to Rome in Triumph by Augustus, c.1653 (etching) (b/w photo) by Perrier, Francois (Bourguignon) (1590-1650) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imagePtolemies Collection: Cleopatra, c. 1674-75 (oil on canvas)

Cleopatra, c. 1674-75 (oil on canvas)
XYC226641 Cleopatra, c.1674-75 (oil on canvas) by Gennari, Benedetto the Younger (1633-1715); 124.5x105.4 cm; Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, USA; Italian, out of copyright

Background imagePtolemies Collection: Cleopatra VII

Cleopatra VII Philopator 69-30 BC. Detail after a bas relief in the Temple of Hathor, Dendera, Egypt. This has been considered as an attempted likeness of Cleopatra based on the long narrow eye


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The Ptolemies were a dynasty of Greek rulers who reigned over Egypt for nearly three centuries. One of the most significant artifacts that shed light on their rule is the famous Rosetta Stone. This ancient slab, discovered in 1799, contains inscriptions in three different scripts: hieroglyphic, demotic, and Greek. The hieroglyphic scripture on the stone was particularly intriguing as it had long been considered a mysterious and indecipherable writing system. Scholars had struggled for centuries to unlock its secrets until the discovery of the Rosetta Stone provided them with a crucial key. Equally important was the demotic scripture found alongside the hieroglyphs. Demotic was a simplified form of Egyptian script used for everyday purposes during this period. The combination of these two scripts allowed linguists to decipher both systems more accurately. The Greek inscription on the stone proved invaluable in translating and understanding Egyptian history as it served as a bridge between ancient Egypt and classical Greece. It contained an official decree issued by King Ptolemy V, providing insights into his reign and policies. Different Ptolemies ruled throughout this era, each leaving their mark on Egypt's rich history. Engravings depicting various Ptolemies and their queens can be found alongside these scriptures on other historical artifacts. Thanks to its unique composition containing multiple languages, the Rosetta Stone became one of archaeology's greatest treasures. Its significance lies not only in unlocking ancient Egyptian texts but also in bridging cultural gaps between civilizations that existed thousands of years apart. Today, this iconic artifact stands as a symbol of human curiosity and determination to unravel mysteries from our past.