The Rosetta Stone is significant in understanding Egyptian history because it provided the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Discovered in 1799, the stone features an inscription in three scripts: Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphics. Scholars could compare the three, using the known Greek text to understand the previously enigmatic hieroglyphic characters. This breakthrough, achieved by Jean-François Champollion in the 1820s, unlocked the ability to read countless ancient Egyptian texts, revealing insights into their culture, religion, and governance. The Rosetta Stone is thus a cornerstone in the study of Egyptology and written history.