Latest news with #Jean-GuillaumeOlette-Pelletier
CairoScene
02-05-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Secret Messages on Egyptian Obelisk in Paris Decoded After 3,300 Years
Hieroglyphs on the Luxor Obelisk in Paris reveal cleverly hidden propaganda praising Pharaoh Ramesses II as divinely ordained. May 02, 2025 Cryptic hieroglyphics on the top of a 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk in Paris' Place de la Concorde have only just been found, and now their secret message has finally been decoded. Recent research by Egyptologist Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier suggests the inscriptions were a masterclass in ancient propaganda, designed to cement Pharaoh Ramesses II's divine legitimacy. Carved near the monument's summit, the hieroglyphs declare Ramesses II 'chosen by the gods' and of 'divine essence,' visible primarily to Nile travellers during its original placement in Luxor. The western side, once oriented toward the Nile, depicts Ramesses making offerings to the god Amun - a symbolic gesture meant to reinforce his right to rule. The obelisk also employs a sophisticated technique called three-dimensional cryptography, where hieroglyphs shift meaning based on reading direction. For instance, one inscription alternates between Ramesses' full throne name (Usermaatre Setepenre) and a declaration of his eternal reign when read left-to-right versus right-to-left. These messages, visible to elites and religious audiences during Nile voyages, blended spiritual symbolism with royal authority. While some scholars urge caution until peer review, Olette-Pelletier argues these carvings were tailored for elite audiences, blending political messaging with religious symbolism. The 23-metre monument, gifted to France in 1830, once served as a billboard of royal authority - proving ancient rulers knew a thing or two about spin. The findings await publication in Égypte Nilotique et Méditerranéenne.
The Independent
02-05-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Secret messages on Luxor Obelisk in Paris finally decoded
Secret hieroglyphics on the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk in Paris, commissioned by Ramesses II, have been decoded. Egyptologist Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier's research suggests the inscriptions are propaganda praising Ramesses II as divinely chosen to rule Egypt. The obelisk's western side, originally facing the Nile, positioned the inscriptions for optimal viewing from boats. Deciphered messages reveal Ramesses II making offerings to the god Amun and pronouncements of his divine essence and eternal life. Dr. Olette-Pelletier's study highlights three-dimensional cryptography, where messages vary based on viewing angle, but awaits peer review and further analysis regarding visibility from the Nile.
CairoScene
24-04-2025
- Science
- CairoScene
Secret Hieroglyphs Discovered on Ancient Egyptian Obelisk in Paris
The findings were made during the first full expert examination of the Luxor Obelisk's upper sections since 1836. Apr 24, 2025 Seven previously unknown messages have been identified on the 3,000-year-old Luxor Obelisk in Paris, long believed to be fully deciphered. The 75-foot granite monument, carved during the reign of Ramses II and gifted to France in the 19th century, stands at Place de la Concorde. During recent access enabled by Olympic renovation scaffolding, Egyptologist Dr Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier of Paris-Sorbonne University found the encrypted texts using his expertise in crypto-hieroglyphs. Among the inscriptions is a phrase invoking the 'ka-force of Amun,' suggesting symbolic appeals to divine power. The findings, made during the first full expert examination of the obelisk's upper sections since its 1836 installation, will be published in the Montpellier-based Egyptology journal ENIM . Only one of two Luxor Obelisks, its twin remains in Luxor, Egypt and may hold additional undiscovered texts.
CairoScene
24-04-2025
- Science
- CairoScene
Hidden Hieroglyphs Discovered on Ancient Egyptian Obelisk in Paris
The findings were made during the first full expert examination of the Luxor Obelisk's upper sections since 1836. Apr 24, 2025 Seven previously unknown messages have been identified on the 3,000-year-old Luxor Obelisk in Paris, long believed to be fully deciphered. The 75-foot granite monument, carved during the reign of Ramses II and gifted to France in the 19th century, stands at Place de la Concorde. During recent access enabled by Olympic renovation scaffolding, Egyptologist Dr Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier of Paris-Sorbonne University found the encrypted texts using his expertise in crypto-hieroglyphs. Among the inscriptions is a phrase invoking the 'ka-force of Amun,' suggesting symbolic appeals to divine power. The findings, made during the first full expert examination of the obelisk's upper sections since its 1836 installation, will be published in the Montpellier-based Egyptology journal ENIM . Only one of two Luxor Obelisks, its twin remains in Luxor, Egypt and may hold additional undiscovered texts.
Egypt Independent
24-04-2025
- Science
- Egypt Independent
Hidden secret messages allegedly discovered on 3,000-year-old Egyptian Obelisk in Paris
A French Egyptologist, Dr. Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, claims to have discovered seven secret messages hidden within the hieroglyphic inscriptions on the Luxor Obelisk in Paris's Place de la Concorde, The Daily Mail reported. The obelisk, dating back over 3,000 years and carved from red granite during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II, was transported to the French capital in the 1830s. Since then, it has fascinated scholars, shrouded in mystery and subject to various interpretations of the inscriptions adorning its four sides. Dr. Pelletier was granted access to the top of the obelisk during the COVID-19 lockdown, when scaffolding was erected for renovations in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Seizing this opportunity, he conducted meticulous measurements and analyses, leading to the discovery of the hidden messages that had eluded previous researchers. These messages were intended for the Egyptian elite who could understand these special symbols, considered a sacred language related to the gods, he said. Dr. Pelletier revealed one enigmatic phrase in the hieroglyphs: 'Appeasing a power for Amun,' referring to the ancient Egyptian god of air. He explained, 'This message reminds us of the importance of offerings to appease the gods, which was believed to be essential for the continuation of life and vital energy.' The obelisk in Paris is one of two famous obelisks known as the 'Luxor Obelisks,' with the other still standing at its original location in front of the Luxor Temple in Egypt. Pelletier's study revealed further details, suggesting that the obelisk in Egypt also likely contains hidden messages that could contribute to a deeper understanding of the history of this archaeological masterpiece. A detailed research paper on all seven messages found on the Paris obelisk will be published in the ENIM Journal of Egyptology in Montpellier.
