Hazel took us through the story of Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign at the very end of the 18^th century, which was a military disaster, but which gave birth to the modern study of Egyptology (notwithstanding Herodotus’ book!) and a global fascination with Ancient Egypt that has lasted to this day.

Napoleon planned to invade Egypt to thwart Britain’s trade with India.  This was considered likely to be more costly to Britain (and mush less costly to France) than actually invading Britain itself.  The Republic being an intellectually-sophisticated state, the French also put together a commission of science and arts to accompany the expeditionary force and to study Egypt in depth.  The members of this commission were known as the Savants.

In 1798 Napoleon’s force set sail, but his secret plans got out and his fleet was pursued across the Mediterranean by, well, non-other than Rear Admiral Nelson of course.  The French were successful in taking control of Lower Egypt from the Ottoman Empire.  However, their fleet was destroyed in the Battle of Nile and they found themselves trapped in Egypt.

Initially the French were successful, generally getting on well with the Egyptians, which enabled the Savants to spend the next two or three years studying all aspects of the country, including its resources, culture and its stunning antiquities and ancient monuments.  The French set up the Institute d’Égypte, which still exists as the Egyptian Scientific Institute, as well as a new journal – the Courier de l’ Égypte.

Issue 37 of the Courier de l’ Égypte reported the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, including a translation of the Greek text and speculation that this might help unlock the language of Egyptian hieroglyphics.

The Savants travelled with the army, collecting antiquities and surveying the ancient temples, tombs and other monuments, which they drew (along with the hieroglyphics they found) beautifully and in great detail.