Rosetta Rediscovered
Start driving to the city where the famous Rosetta stone was found declined, its grimy facade guards some of the most amazing architecture found in Egypt. Rural countryside unfolds in glorious patterns of richly cultivated fields, Rosetta Founded in 853, it offers a strategic location between the Mediterranean and the western arm of the Nile, protecting Egypt from sea invasions. It was recognized as an extremely important trading post and military site by the Mameluks who flocked into town building beautiful houses, mosques, inns and public baths. Under the Ottomans it remained a prosperous trading post, turning into one of the most flourishing harbors in the Mediterranean, In July 1799, a dramatic discovery by some of Napoleons soldiers stationed at Rosetta brought to light a stone slab inscribed in three languages; hieroglyphics, Greek and demotic. Known worldwide as the Rosetta stone, its text remained a mystery until many years later when a gifted French scholar succeeded to decipher the hieroglyphics enabling Egyptologists and the rest of the world's scholars to understand and read the Pharaonic symbols , Such architectural style is found nowhere else in Egypt. The houses reveal superb Islamic architecture, with geometrically shaped Mushrabiyyas (oriels), decorative inscriptions, ornate doors, inlaid seashell woodworks, domes and large reception rooms. Well insulated fresh water tanks provided the house with fresh drinking water, and a drinking fountain offered a refreshing drink to thirsty passersby, free of charge. Most of these houses are currently under restoration and only two of them are open to visitors. Today, you'll visit the houses and the nearby mosque, all situated in the same street. Drive to the outskirts of the town to visit Abu Madour Tower from where the major historian of the French Expedition, Vivian Dinon, monitored the famous Abu Kir naval battle between the British and French fleets. An orientation drive of Rosetta will complete your visit to this very interesting, yet somehow overlooked destination. Before arriving at the pier in Alexandria, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the city's highlights.
