glyphs - symbols - characters - pictograms - ideograms - signs - inscriptions - carvings - engravings - writings
Hieroglyphs are a form of writing used by the ancient Egyptians that combines logographic and alphabetic elements. These sacred carvings were primarily used for religious texts, monumental inscriptions, and administrative purposes. Each hieroglyph represents objects, people, animals, or sounds. They were traditionally inscribed on temple walls, tombs, statues, and papyrus scrolls. The decipherment of hieroglyphs was a pivotal breakthrough in Egyptology, leading to a greater understanding of ancient Egyptian language, culture, and history.