Secrets!

I had to watch this twice it was so interesting. And I might just watch it a couple of more times!  

Secrets of the Dead - Decoding Hieroglyphics 

200 years ago, French scholar Jean-François Champollion deciphered the inscriptions, giving meaning to the signs that had been unreadable for more than a millennium. 

Professor Claude Traunecker describes some of the text and meaning in the tomb. He saw it, and had tears in my eyes. It was an appeal to the living. 

In the first two passageways, there's always an image of Padiamenope, looking towards the entrance to the tomb as if he were greeting visitors. And had a direct message to the visitors  

'O, you who are on earth, those who are born...' This marks the future -- 'Er-mes-tu.' 

 '...and those who will be born.' 

It's quite incredible! And it interestingly goes on to address  

'Those who come to stroll.' 

Coming to the necropolis for a stroll -- not bad!  

'Those who come to have fun looking at ancient tombs.'  

This dates from the 7th century BCE, so there had already been 2,000 years of tombs before then! 

Or those who come looking for spells.' 

That's us. That's us. 

When I read that, I must admit, I was moved to tears.  

'Those looking for spells.' And he goes on.  

'May they observe what is in this tomb.'  

And then there's a blessing -- 'They will receive the blessing of the god Amun if they respect this tomb.'

And finally, he asks us to 'repair whatever is damaged.' 

It's a very daring, direct message. -The carvings on the walls of Padiamenope's tomb ask future visitors to keep it in good condition.