What are hieroglyphs?
Q: What are hieroglyphs?
A: Hieroglyphs are a type of writing that uses symbols or pictures to represent sounds and words.
Q: Which cultures used hieroglyphs?
A: The Egyptians, Luwians, and Mayan cultures are among those who used hieroglyphs.
Q: Where have hieroglyphs been found?
A: Hieroglyphs have been found in Turkey, Crete, United States, Canada, and Egypt.
Q: How did hieroglyphs start?
A: Hieroglyphs started when pictures were used to tell stories on pottery and other artwork, and over time, the pictures evolved into letters.
Q: What does the word "hieroglyph" mean?
A: The word "hieroglyph" comes from the Greek words ἱερός (hierós 'sacred') and γλύφειν (glúphein 'to carve' or 'to write'), and it was first used to mean Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Q: Why were hieroglyphs often found carved on house walls, tombs, and monuments?
A: Hieroglyphs were often found carved on house walls, tombs, and monuments because they were used to convey important messages and record important events.
Q: What did the Greeks who came to Egypt see when they encountered hieroglyphs?
A: The Greeks who came to Egypt saw picture letters, which were often found carved on house walls, tombs, and monuments.
