Learn how to read Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs with Ilona Regulski | Curator's Corner S7 E11

The British Museum・2 minutes read

Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs are discussed by Ilona Regulski and Nick, examining the lintel of King Amenemhat III to understand the terminology, arrangement, and symbolism of the hieroglyphs used for visual communication. The exhibition "Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt" at the British Museum until February 19th showcases the fascinating world of hieroglyphs, offering a unique educational experience on deciphering these ancient symbols.

Insights

  • Hieroglyphs in ancient Egyptian culture were not just decorative but held significant meaning, representing words and concepts through intricate symbols arranged visually for both aesthetic appeal and communication clarity.
  • The study of hieroglyphs reveals a complex system where each symbol, position, and arrangement carries deep cultural, linguistic, and historical significance, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail and tradition in ancient Egyptian writing practices.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the cartouche in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs?

    The cartouche in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs is a shen ring symbolizing eternity that contains the name of a king or royal figure. In the case of the lintel discussed by Ilona Regulski and Nick, the cartouche displayed the name of King Amenemhat III of the 12th Dynasty. The king's name, starting with "Imn" for the god Amun, was enclosed within the cartouche, emphasizing his eternal reign and divine connection.

  • How were hieroglyphs arranged on monumental buildings in ancient Egypt?

    Hieroglyphs in ancient Egypt were mainly carved on monumental buildings, with their arrangement based on visual appearance. Elongated signs stood alone, while smaller ones were fitted into squares to create a visually appealing and organized layout. The direction of reading hieroglyphs could vary, with certain signs like birds indicating the beginning of the text. This flexibility in spelling and arrangement allowed for artistic expression while maintaining the traditional structure of hieroglyphic writing.

  • What inspired the ancient Egyptians in creating hieroglyphs?

    The ancient Egyptians drew inspiration from nature when creating hieroglyphs, as seen in examples like the grid lines used for study. Symbols like the hieroglyph for 'bee' representing 'Lower Egypt' and the plant symbolizing 'Upper Egypt' showcased the connection between the natural world and the symbolic language of hieroglyphs. By incorporating elements from their environment, the ancient Egyptians infused deeper meaning and cultural significance into their written communication.

  • How did ancient Egyptian carvers ensure accuracy when inscribing hieroglyphs on stone?

    Ancient Egyptian carvers ensured accuracy when inscribing hieroglyphs on stone by following examples laid out by draftspeople. These examples provided a guide for the proper arrangement and execution of hieroglyphs, ensuring adherence to tradition and precision in representation. By meticulously copying the established patterns and designs, carvers maintained the integrity of the hieroglyphic script and preserved the cultural heritage embedded within these inscriptions.

  • What does the term 'Neb tawy' translate to in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs?

    In ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, the term 'Neb tawy' translates to 'The Lord of the Two Lands'. The term 'neb' signifies 'Lord', while the following signs represent the two lands of Upper and Lower Egypt. This title was used to denote the king's authority and dominion over both regions, highlighting the unification of the country under a single ruler. Through the use of symbolic language and intricate hieroglyphic representations, ancient Egyptians conveyed complex political and religious concepts in a visually striking and culturally significant manner.

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Summary

00:00

Decoding Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs with Experts

  • Ilona Regulski, curator for Egyptian written culture at the British Museum, and Nick discuss reading ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
  • They examine a lintel above a doorway with the name of King Amenemhat III of the 12th Dynasty.
  • Hieroglyphs are discussed, with emphasis on correct terminology like "hieroglyphs" as a noun and "hieroglyphic" as an adjective.
  • The cartouche, a shen ring symbolizing eternity, contains the king's name, starting with "Imn" for the god Amun.
  • Hieroglyphs are arranged based on visual appearance, with elongated signs standing alone and smaller ones fitting in squares.
  • Hieroglyphs were mainly carved on monumental buildings, while papyrus writing was more like handwriting.
  • The direction of reading hieroglyphs can vary, with signs like birds indicating the beginning of text.
  • The arrangement of hieroglyphs on the lintel is discussed, showing flexibility in spelling for visual appeal.
  • The ancient Egyptians drew inspiration from nature for hieroglyphs, with some examples showing grid lines for study.
  • Carvers followed examples laid out by draftspeople when inscribing hieroglyphs on stone, ensuring accuracy and adherence to tradition.

12:47

Symbols of Egyptian Kingship and Deities

  • The hieroglyph for 'bee' represents 'Lower Egypt', while the plant symbolizes 'Upper Egypt'.
  • In Egyptian, 'nsw.t bity' translates to 'King of Upper and Lower Egypt'.
  • 'Nsw.t' refers to the king, not just in titles but also on its own.
  • 'Bity' refers to the ancestor of the king, combining to mean 'The King of Upper and Lower Egypt'.
  • 'Neb tawy' translates to 'The Lord of the Two Lands', with 'neb' meaning 'Lord' and the following signs representing the lands.
  • Ancient Egyptians used a 'dual' form for nouns, like 'Lord of the Two Lands'.
  • 'Horus ḥr.j-ib' signifies 'Horus who is in Shedet', with Shedet being the city where the shrine was likely set up.
  • 'Sobek' is the patron God of Shedet, represented by a crocodile on a shrine.
  • The inscription includes the verb 'to give', with the king giving 'life and stability'.
  • The symbols in the hieroglyphs were likely colored and textured for better recognition and understanding.

25:47

"Unlocking Ancient Egypt: Hieroglyphs Exhibition"

  • The exhibition "Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt" is on until February 19th, offering a fascinating opportunity to learn about hieroglyphs and their decipherment, providing a fantastic and educational experience.
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