Philology and the Appropriation of the World

The book explores the multifaceted conditions surrounding Jean-François Champollion's groundbreaking decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs, highlighting the interplay of epistemological, political, and material factors. Champollion's work symbolizes the achievements of 19th-century comparative philology and reflects the broader European aspirations of modernity. However, his journey to Egypt revealed the extensive damage to ancient sites, prompting him to advocate for the regulation of excavations and denounce European looting, marking an early call for the international protection of cultural heritage.