Understanding Hieroglyphics: Ancient Egyptian Writing

Understanding Hieroglyphics: Ancient Egyptian Writing

Learning Objectives

• Understand the concept and structure of hieroglyphics
• Know the process of writing on papyrus reed
• Learn about the significance of the Rosetta Stone in decoding hieroglyphics

What do you already know about hieroglyphics?

Slide 1: Concept and Structure of Hieroglyphics

• Hieroglyphics: A system of writing using pictures, used by ancient Egyptians
• Over 700 pictorial symbols
• Reading direction depended on the orientation of the animal hieroglyphs

Slide 2: Process of Writing on Papyrus Reed

• Egyptians used flattened reeds called papyrus
• Papyrus reed was used as writing material
• Hieroglyphics were written on papyrus or carved into stone

Slide 3: Role of the Rosetta Stone

• The Rosetta Stone: Over 2200 years old
• Discovered in 1799
• Had the same passage written in three scripts: hieroglyphics, Demotic, and Greek
• Helped scholars decode hieroglyphics

Slide 4: Definition List

• Hieroglyphics: A system of writing using pictures, used by ancient Egyptians
• Papyrus reed: A water plant used by Egyptians to create writing material
• Rosetta Stone: An artifact that provided key information to decode hieroglyphics

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.