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Story
February 2, 1838
Southern Christian Advocate
Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina
What is this article about?
During Napoleon's 1798 invasion of Egypt, scientists found a zodiac in Denderah temple, claiming it dated to 15,000 years ago and challenged biblical chronology. In 1821, it was brought to Paris, fueling infidelity. Champollion later proved it was Roman-era astrological art, upholding Bible authority.
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LEARNED FOLLY.
When Bonaparte invaded Egypt, his scientific attendants discovered on the ceiling of the temple of Denderah, a sculptured zodiac, containing many hieroglyphical figures. In their learned investigations they asserted that this presented the aspect of the heavens some 15,000 years ago, and fixed the origin of the zodiac and the temple far beyond the time of the creation. In 1821 this zodiac was detached from the ceiling and brought with immense labor to Paris, where it attracted the universal gaze of the learned and the unlearned. 'The zodiac,' said the infidels of Paris, 'has destroyed the authority of the Bible.' But when Champollion discovered the key to the hieroglyphics, he demonstrated at once, that this temple, with its zodiac, was built in the time of the Roman Emperor; and the sculptured figures on it were simply astrological, and had nothing to do with astronomy or chronology. And thus fell with a shock, the baseless fabric which infidelity had raised against the Bible.
When Bonaparte invaded Egypt, his scientific attendants discovered on the ceiling of the temple of Denderah, a sculptured zodiac, containing many hieroglyphical figures. In their learned investigations they asserted that this presented the aspect of the heavens some 15,000 years ago, and fixed the origin of the zodiac and the temple far beyond the time of the creation. In 1821 this zodiac was detached from the ceiling and brought with immense labor to Paris, where it attracted the universal gaze of the learned and the unlearned. 'The zodiac,' said the infidels of Paris, 'has destroyed the authority of the Bible.' But when Champollion discovered the key to the hieroglyphics, he demonstrated at once, that this temple, with its zodiac, was built in the time of the Roman Emperor; and the sculptured figures on it were simply astrological, and had nothing to do with astronomy or chronology. And thus fell with a shock, the baseless fabric which infidelity had raised against the Bible.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Historical Event
Extraordinary Event
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Providence Divine
Deception
What keywords are associated?
Learned Folly
Denderah Zodiac
Hieroglyphics Key
Bible Authority
Egypt Invasion
Champollion Discovery
What entities or persons were involved?
Bonaparte
Champollion
Where did it happen?
Temple Of Denderah, Egypt; Paris
Story Details
Key Persons
Bonaparte
Champollion
Location
Temple Of Denderah, Egypt; Paris
Event Date
1798; 1821; Roman Emperor Time
Story Details
Scientists misinterpret ancient zodiac as 15,000-year-old proof against Bible creation timeline; Champollion reveals it as Roman astrological sculpture, debunking the claim.