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Take a trip to ancient Egypt on the Gloucester Sphinx Trail

The mysteries of Egypt come alive at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum as visitors go on the search for hidden golden sphinxes as part of an eight-week summer trail.

Visitors have their code-breaking skills put to the test when they take on the Sphinx Trail, that continues until September 10, and is sponsored by Punchline.

Hieroglyphic symbols will be hidden throughout the galleries and visitors will have to crack the code to reveal a very special hidden word.

All the efforts will be worthwhile however, as there's a prize for everyone who takes part.

The museum's links with Egypt are well known. In 1801 the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot was awarded the Back Badge following the Battle of Alexandria, when their gallant actions in the face of a superior force prevented Napoleon from taking Egypt.

Their heroic actions won them the honour of wearing the Egyptian Sphinx on their cap badge and wearing a badge front and rear, the only regiment to be awarded such an honour.

Another fascinating historical fact centres around the Rosetta Stone, the object most responsible for the understanding of hieroglyphics, that was discovered in Egypt by the French in 1799 and, following the British victory at Alexandria, came into the hands of the British government.

It allowed the world to understand ancient Egyptian text for the very first time.

It's been on display in the British Museum almost continuously since 1802 and is the most visited object in their collection.

The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is open daily from 10am - 5pm, giving families ample opportunity to go along and get those brain cells working, while having lots of fun and finding out lots about ancient Egypt.

Vicki Hopson, at the museum, said: "So far more than 250 correct and completed trail sheets have been handed in, so it's been a good uptake.

"Everyone who successfully completes the trail is entered into a draw to win one of 10 small golden sphinxes from the British Museum, as used around our museum during the trail."

Pick up a Sphinx Trail sheet from the museum reception desk when you visit.

Picture caption: Sphinx Trail poster outside the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum in Gloucester

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