Jean-François Champollion is credited with deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics, a breakthrough that allowed historians to understand ancient Egyptians' complex writing system. His key triumph came in the early 19th century when he studied the Rosetta Stone, which featured inscriptions in Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphs. Through meticulous analysis, Champollion unlocked the meanings of the symbols, making it possible to translate a vast array of Egyptian texts. His work opened up the world of ancient Egyptian literature, culture, and history, significantly enhancing our understanding of one of civilization’s greatest cultures and their contributions to human knowledge.