Hieroglyphics

Hieroglyphics

A. System of Writing called Hieroglyphics
a. Symbols that stood for objects
b. About 400 different symbols
c. Written on papyrus- which is a paper like material
d. Written by scribe

B. The Egyptian system of writing is called hieroglyphics. Contained 800-1000 picture symbols.


C. Written by scribes, who had to attend a special school to learn how to read and write. (MEN)

D. Hieroglyphics were written on papyrus. Papyrus is a reed plant that grew along the Nile River. It was used to make paper.


E. Very few people went to school to become scribes so they became very important to the rulers, priests and pharaohs.


F. Scribes mainly kept records for the rulers, priests and pharaohs.


G. Hieroglyphics fell out of use around 400 AD. We are able to translate hieroglyphics thanks to the Rosetta Stone.
a. Discovered in 1799 A.D.
b. Contains three different languages: hieroglyphics, late Egyptian/Demotic, and Greek
c. Used Greek to translate to English