answersLogoWhite

0

They were some of the first forms of writing, documenting things and ideas. The Semitic script from which our alphabet derives can be traced to origins in the Hieroglyphics. Until Champollion discovered that Hieroglyphics are semi-alphabetic writing, whose words have abstract meaning with no obvious connection to the symbols used to record them, we had no knowledge of Egyptian history, literature and religion.

By an accident of history, in 1799 a large fragment of a stone document from the time of Cleopatra was found in the Nile Delta and somehow made its way into the hands of a scholar, Champollion, instead of being used to build an outhouse. It is inscribed with two languages and three forms of writing: Egyptian in Hieroglyphics and a simplified hieratic script - and Greek. Using his knowledge of Greek, Champollion was able to begin deciphering the Egyptian writing.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What makes us understand hieroglyphics today?

because its been passed down over generations


How are Egyptian hieroglyphics used today?

Today, hieroglyphics are only used as decorations, particularly to convey an Egyptian theme.


What is Egyptian writing or letters called?

Hieroglyphics.


Are there any famous hieroglyphics today and where can you find them?

pusy is in Africa


Which civilization gave us the hieroglyphics?

Egyptians


What impact does the Shang Dynasty have on us today?

if gave us smart asians


Why can only few people understand and read Egyptian hieroglyphics?

This is not true. Many thousands of people today can understand and read Egyptian hieroglyphics.


Do Phoenician use hieroglyphics?

No, they invented an alphabet, from which our alphabets of today have descended.


What is pottery's impact on us today?

Pottery has a huge impact on us today. It is used as a cheap and versatile material in everyday life. In archaelology it gives us huge amounts of information about the past which develops our understanding of people who came before us.


Are ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics still used today?

It is not used today no, and that is due to its complexity


How does Betsy Ross impact us today?

she impacts us today because she gave us information about the past and i like hotdogs ans WEENEIRS Peace


What is a ancient Egyptian number writing called?

This ancient writing is called hieroglyphics. Many different pictures represent words and numbers. Hieroglyphics are used today still... kinda. Picture icons are like hieroglyphics.