Can you solve the Riddle of the Sphinx?
This summer sees one of the mysteries of Egypt come alive at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, as hidden golden sphinxes emerge for a special 8 week long summer trail.
Visitors will have their code-breaking skills put to the test when they take on the ‘Sphinx Trail’, beginning on Saturday 15th July and running until 10th September. Hieroglyphic symbols will be hidden throughout the galleries and visitors will have to crack the code to reveal a very special hidden word. All the efforts will be worthwhile however, as there’s a prize for everyone that takes part.
Of course the museum’s links with Egypt are well known. In 1801 the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot was awarded the Back Badge following the Battle of Alexandria. During the Battle the 28th occupied sand dunes facing the coast, and were instructed to hold this key position for the British. The French Army attacked and the 28th took the full brunt of both infantry and cavalry. The Regiment were surrounded.
The order was given for the front rank to stay as they were, and the rear rank to turn around, meaning that they were facing the enemy at both front and rear. The Regiment held their position and Napoleon’s Army was therefore unable to capture Egypt. The gallant actions of the 28th won them the honour of wearing the Egyptian Sphinx on their cap badge and wearing a badge front and rear; the only Regiment to be given such an honour.
The Rosetta Stone, the object most responsible for the understanding of hieroglyphics, had been discovered in Egypt by the French in 1799 and following the British victory at Alexandria, it came into the hands of the British government. It allowed the world to understand ancient Egyptian text for the very first time.
It’s been on display in the British Museum almost continuously since 1802 and is the most visited object in their collection.
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is open 10am – 5pm, 7 days a week during summer, so plenty of opportunity to bring the family along and get those brain cells working – whilst having lots of fun!
Explore Gloucestershire
28 June 2017
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