Letβs read some hieroglyphs πΉππͺ!
Today ππππ³ we are going to look at one of the ways to write βtomb ππ©ππβ in hieroglyphs πΉππͺ! The picture ππ ±π below is from a Middle Kingdom sarcophagus ππΉπππ at the MET, which has the word for “tomb ππ©ππ” written on it!
Letβs break down each of the symbols:Β
The βreed πβ is a uniliteral phonogram for βΔ±Ν (y),β however it can also function as an ideogram for the word βreed ππΊ.β
The βbundle of reeds π©β is a biliteral phonogram that represents the sound βjz.β
The βdoorbolt πβ symbol is a uniliteral phonogram which represents the sound βzβ or βs.β Itβs also the
ideogram for the word βdoorbolt.β
The βschematic house plan πβ symbol is a biliteral phonogram for the sound βpr,β but it can also function as an ideogram for the word βhouse ππΊ.β This symbol is commonly used as a determinative for words that have to do with buildings (like our word of the day – tomb ππ©ππ) or places (Duat πΌπΏππ).
So how would βππ©ππβ be pronounced? ππ©ππ would actually be said like βis.β In Middle Egyptian, a bunch of the written words repeat sounds, but the repeated sounds arenβt pronounced at all. Itβs like how βπ€β and βπ€ππβ are both still pronounced βnfrβ even though the sounds repeat in the word.Β There are many variants for ancient Egyptian words, and it makes reading hieroglyphs πΉππͺ like a puzzle! When you first start learning it can be frustrating, but then it becomes fun!
Here are some other variants/ways to write βtombβ in hieroglyphs πΉππͺ:
ππ – Mastaba (House of Eternity)
πππ΄ – Tomb/Mastaba
πΏπππ΄ – Tomb/Mastaba
πΏππΈ – Tomb Shaft
π πππ – Tomb of a King, Horizon
π»π΄π – Tomb Chapel
If you want to see the full inscription ππ ±π on this sarcophagus ππΉπππ, check out my video on this post!
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost without permission.