- Hieroglyphics is an ancient form of writing that used phonograms, logograms, and determinatives in horizontal and vertical lines.
- The term hieroglyph basically means: “sacred carvings.” Initially, the Egyptians just used hieroglyphs for inscriptions carved or painted on temple walls. This style of visual writing was also found on tombs, sheets of papyrus, stucco-washed wooden boards, potsherds, and limestone pieces.
Hieroglyphics with English Translation
Some symbols represent objects, while others illustrate phonetic sounds. As a result, rather than presenting a specific spelling, hieroglyphics focused on presenting the sound and meaning of words.
- Date Original: 1938
- Contributor: Budge, E.A.W. (Edward Alfred Wallis), Sir, 1957-1934
- Source: New York State Archives, New York (State). Education Dept. Division of Visual Instruction. Instructional lantern slides, ca. 1856-1939. A3045-78, 16962.
Hieroglyphs could be written in either left-to-right or right-to-left directions. Which way the figures should be read was determined by the angle at which they were facing. When they faced towards left, the writing went from left to right; when they faced right, the writing went from right to left.
Purpose of Hieroglyphics
The Sumerians and Babylonians attempted to keep track of events through visual writings. These carvings and writings served religious functions. According to the engravings and egyptian scrolls that have survived to the present day, the majority of writings dealt with spiritual matters and spells. The walls of tombs frequently displayed predictions of the dead’s future life rather than records of historical events in his previous life.
Sources: https://digitalcollections.archives.nysed.gov/index.php/Detail/objects/877 , https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/civil/egypt/egcw02e.html , https://factsanddetails.com/world/cat56/sub365/item1952.html#chapter-0