One of the most famous artifacts from Ancient Egypt, besides the pyramids and the sphinx is the Rosetta stone.  Most people have heard of the Rosetta stone and know its importance has something to do with deciphering languages.  It was, indeed, highly instrumental in our modern day understanding of hieroglyphics.   However, it is less well known that the Rosetta stone is actually a property tax document.

The document, which was discovered in 1799, is believed to have been created in 196 B.C.  It’s purpose was to re-establish property tax privileges that priests had received in more ancient times.  This archeological find makes me think, “Who knew that property tax exemptions and privileges went back so far?”  I guess some things are just set in stone, literally.