Today ππππ³ we are going to be looking at an inscription ππ ±π that appears along the top line on a Middle Kingdom era coffin π΄π ±πππ±! This phrase does appear pretty frequently across funerary equipment (stelae, coffin) so it is definitely a good one to know!
We will start reading the inscription ππ ±π on the right since the directional symbols point to the right!Β
The phrase “Everything Perfect and Pure Which a God Lives On” on a Middle Kingdom era sarcophagus
This is the full phrase: πππ΅π¦ππ€πππΉππΉππ . Letβs break down each word!
ππππ¦π – Everything
π€ – Perfect/Beautiful/Good
ππ – Pure
πΉπ – Life/Live
πΉ – God
ππ - On (In, There, Among, etc.)
So all π together ππ, the phrase translates to: βEverything perfect and pure which a god lives on.β
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Today ππππ³ we are going to look at the word for βname ππβ in hieroglyphs πΉππͺ and the religious/cultural significance that a personβs name had in ancient Egypt ππ ππ!Β
Letβs read some hieroglyphs πΉππͺ!
The word “Name” in Hieroglyphs as depicted on a relief in an Old Kingdom tomb
In order to exist, a person needed to have five πΎ essential elements: the body πππΌ, the shadow πππ ±πΌ, the Ba π ‘π€, the Ka (soul/life force) ππ€, and most importantly, the name ππ. Without a name ππ, the other four elements could not exist!
When a personβs name ππ was written in hieroglyphs πΉππͺ, it meant that the person would live πΉ forever ππ³π. The visual representation of a personβs name ππ had the power to give the person eternal π life πΉ. This is why pharaohs wanted their name ππ on as many monuments as possible – their name ππ in hieroglyphs πΉππͺ had immense power!
This ancient belief about a personβs name ππ having such significance is why I feel like I need to write about my Nonno and speak about him. My entire page is dedicated to his memory, and I feel like sharing his name ππ and image ππ ±π helps me to keep him alive even though he is no longer here.
Letβs break down each of the symbols!
The βmouth πβ symbol functions most commonly as a uniliteral phonogram and is used to represent the sound βr.β It can also be used as an ideogram for the word βmouth ππΊ.β
The βripple of water πβ is a phonogram sign, and it functions as a uniliteral sign. The βπβ is associated with the sound of βn!β The π has many grammatical functions on its own, and it can mean βto,β βof,β βfor,β βwe/us/our,β βin,β βbecause,β βthrough,β and some others!Β
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Music πππΈ and musicians were highly regarded in ancient Egyptian culture. I love music πππΈ, and music πππ is something that I cannot live without! This is a sistrum πππππ£, which is a musical instrument from ancient Egypt ππ ππ that is similar to a modern rattle or tambourine.Β
A faience sistrum with Hathor from the Ptolemaic Period
Since Hathor π‘ was the goddess πΉπ of music πππ, she was portrayed on most sistrums πππππ£πͺ in her human form! However, even though Hathor π‘ is represented as a woman πππππ, she is recognized easily because of her characteristic cow π€ππππ ears!Β
A closeup view of the sistrum with Hathor’s face! See if you can spot her cow ears!
I love these two sistrums πππππ£πͺ pictured below because while they are both from the Ptolemaic Period, they look so different! One of the sistrums πππππ£πͺ is made of blue π ππ faience π£πππΈπΌ while the other is made of silver πππππ.Β
A blue faience sistrum (front) and a silver sistrum (back) both with Hathor’s face on it from the Ptolemaic Period.
Fun fact: in ancient Egypt ππ ππ, silver πππππ was actually considered to be more valuable because it was harder to obtain through trade! Egypt ππ ππ does not naturally have a lot of silver πππππ!
The silver πππππ sistrum πππππ£ has hieroglyphs πΉππͺ on the handle, however they are very hard to read due to cracks and natural wear. The blue π ππ faience π£πππΈπΌ one has hieroglyphs πΉππͺ that are much easier to read!
Letβs read some hieroglyphs πΉππͺ!
π π³ – Son of Ra
ππππ – Lord of Appearances
πͺππ―ππππ΄ – Ptolemaios (Ptolemy I)
πΉ – Life
π – Like
π³πΊ – Ra
ππ³π – Eternity
π – Eternity
When ππ³π and π are used in the same phrase, itβs usually translated as βEverlasting Eternityβ instead of βEternity Eternity.β
Another way to write βLord of Appearancesβ is like this – πππ₯ – using three strokes βπ₯β instead of repeating the βsun over the horizon ππππβ hieroglyph three times! Both of these ways are the correct way to write the phrase, however the three strokes βπ₯β is usually used more because it takes up less space!
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Today ππππ³ we are going to be looking at theΒ word βπ·πΆ,β which has a bunch of different (but seemingly related) meanings in Middle Egyptian!Β
“To Rule” in raised relief from a Middle Kingdom relief at the MET
Here is a list of some of the meanings of the word βπ·πΆβ:
-To Rule
-Who is Upon
-Nomarch (kind of like a governor who was appointed by the pharaoh)
-Governor (this would be a more modern interpretation of the word)
-Leader
-Magician
Letβs take a closer look at the two symbols which comprise this word!
The βface π·β symbol is a biliteral phonogram for the sound αΈ₯r and is an ideogram for the word βface.β
The βhead πΆβ symbol is a biliteral phonogram for the sound βtpβ and is an ideogram/determinative for the word βhead.β
So all together the word βπ·πΆβ would have a sound value of βαΈ₯r-tp.β
The βface π·β symbol is always fascinating to see because itβs artistically different from most of the other 750+ hieroglyphic symbols. The βface π·β symbol is so different because it is a front view of a face instead of a profile view. Most ancient Egyptian art is done in profile, so this symbol really stands out to me amongst other hieroglyphic symbols.
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.Β
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Letβs read some hieroglyphs πΉππͺ! Today ππππ³ we are going to look at the significance of the epithet βLord of the Sacred Land ππΎπ¦.β
An epithet is almost like a title, except it comes after a name ππ instead of before it! The epithet βLord of the Sacred Land ππΎπ¦β (some also translate it as βLord of the Necropolis), will commonly follow the name ππ of the god πΉ Anubis πππͺπ ±π£ in inscriptions! This phrase is representative of Anubisβ πππͺπ ±π£ role as protector π ππ‘π of the dead π ππ±! The βsacred landβ that is being referred to is actually the tombs/cemeteries for the dead π ππ±!
“Lord of the Sacred Land” painted on a Middle Kingdom sarcophagus
Letβs break down the phrase! π – Lord πΎ – Land π¦ – Sacred
This phrase gives us a nice and simple look at Middle Egyptian sentence structure! In Middle Egyptian, the adjectives follow the noun hence why it reads βlord land sacredβ instead of βLord Sacred Land.β In English, the adjective comes before the noun in a sentence!
Letβs take a closer look at each of the symbols!
The βbasket πβ symbol is a biliteral phonogram for the sound βnbβ which is thought to have been pronounced like βneb.β The π alone can also mean the common words βLord,β βPossessor,β and βAll.β
The βstrip of land with sand πΎβ symbol is an ideogram for land, Earth and world. It is also a biliteral phonogram for the sound βt3β and can be a determinative in the word βeternity π.β
The βforearm with brush π¦β symbol is both an ideogram and determinative for βsacredβ and is associated with the sound βαΈsr.β
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Letβs read some hieroglyphs πΉππͺ! Today we are going to be looking at the birth name cartouche π πππ· for the Middle Kingdom pharaoh Montuhotep II π ππΏπ ±π΅ππͺ!
Montuhotep IIβs π ππΏπ ±π΅ππͺ name is a combination of two different Middle Egyptian words! Letβs break down the two words:
Montu π ππΏπ ± refers to of the falcon πππ‘π headed god πΉ of war who was mainly worshipped πΌπΏπ’ in Thebes πππ. The word βhotep/htp π΅ππͺβ translates to the word βsatisfiedβ or βcontent.β The word βhotep/htp π΅ππͺβ can also mean βofferingβ or βpeace!β The name ππ Montuhotep π ππΏπ ±π΅ππͺ means βMontu is satisfiedβ or βMontu is content.β
The birth name cartouche of the Middle Kingdom pharaoh Montuhotep II
Letβs take a closer look at the symbols!
The βπ game board and piecesβ is a biliteral phonogram. The β π β is associated with the sound βmnβ which could be pronounced like βmen,β βmun,β βmon,β etc.
The βripple of water πβ is a uniliteral phonogram associated with the sound of βn!β Here it is a phonetic complement!
The βπΏ hobble/tieβ is a uniliteral phonogram sign associated with the sounds of βαΉ―β or βt.β
The βQuail Chick π ±β is uniliteral phonogram that is representative of the sound w/u.
The βbread loaf on mat π΅β symbol is a triliteral phonogram for the sound βαΈ₯tpβ and is also an ideogram for βoffering slabβ which is also associated with the sound βαΈ₯tp.β
The βflat loaf of bread πβ is a uniliteral phonogram used to represent the sound βt.β Here it is a phonetic complement!
The βstool πͺβ symbol is a uniliteral phonogram for the sound βp.β Here it is a phonetic complement!
Read about Montuhotep II’s Throne Name in this post!
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Letβs read some Hieroglyphs πΉππͺ! Today we are going to be looking at the throne name cartouche π πππ· for the Middle Kingdom pharaoh Montuhotep II! While Montuhotep π ππΏπ ±π΅ππͺ is his birth name ππ, the cartouche π πππ· we are looking at in the picture ππ ±π is his throne name ππ, which is βNebhapetra π³ππ€.β
The throne name cartouche of Montuhotep II which reads “Nebhapetra”
Letβs look even closer at the individual glyphs! π³ – Ra π – βNebβ (nb) π€ – βHapetβ (αΈ«rw or αΈ₯jpt)
The βπ³ sun discβ symbol is an ideogram for βraβ or βre,β but can also be a determinative in words such as sun ππ ±π³, today ππππ³, and for words associated with time. The single symbol alone (like in cartouches) would be pronounced like βraβ or βre.β Re is written first but pronounced last due to βhonorific transpositionβ – the name of the god is written first out of respect.
The βπ basketβ is a biliteral phonogram symbol that has the sound of βnb,β which is inferred to be pronounced like βneb.β The π alone can also mean the common words βLord,β βPossessor,β and βAll.β
The βoar π€β symbol is a triliteral phonogram or an ideogram. As a triliteral it represents the sound βαΈ«rw,β and as an ideogram for βoarβ it represents the sound βαΈ₯jptβ which is the sound used in this case!
So all π together his name ππ means βPossessor of the Oar of Ra.β π³ – Ra π – Possessor π€ – Oar
This raised relief is originally from Montuhotep IIβs π ππΏπ ±π΅ππͺ mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri. This relief was part of one of the main areas of the temple πππ that was added at the end of Montuhotepβs π ππΏπ ±π΅ππͺ reign πΎ. This dates the relief to c. 2010β2000 B.C.E. (Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 11).
Read about Montuhotep II’s Birth Name in this post!
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblogΒ onΒ InstagramΒ andΒ TikTokΒ to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Today ππππ³ we are going to be looking at the cartouche π πππ· of the pharaoh ππ» Khufu ππ ±ππ ±!
A lot of people know him by the name ππ βCheops,β which is the Greek version of his name ππ. However, when you read his cartouche π πππ·, it is very clear that his name ππ is Khufu ππ ±ππ ±! Khufu ππ ±ππ ± is best known for constructing the Great Pyramid at Giza!
The name of the Pharaoh Khufu in Hieroglyphs
Letβs break down the meaning of the name ππ βKhufu ππ ±ππ ±,β which means βHe Protects Me.β ππ ± – Protects π – He π ± – Me/I
The βplacenta or sieve πβ symbol is a uniliteral phonogram and is associated with the sound βαΈ«β which is kind of like a βkβ sound. This symbol is actually considered βunclassifiedβ because Egyptologists actually donβt know what it exactly represents!
The βQuail Chick π ±β is a super popular symbol! It is a uniliteral phonogram that is representative of the sound w/u and sometimes functions as an ideogram. It mostly appears as a uniliteral phonogram and is one of the hieroglyphs that appears the most in inscriptions!
The βhorned viper πβ functions as a uniliteral phonogram and represents the sound βf.β In other words, it can function as a determinative. It can also be the pronoun βhe/him.β
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Letβs read some Hieroglyphs πΉππͺ! Today ππππ³ we are going to look at the Middle Egyptian word that we translate as βhieroglyphs πΉππ¬!βΒ The word “hieroglyph” is a modern word and is not what the ancient Egyptians called their writing system/language. Today we are going to learn the special meaning behind the real name for the ancient Egyptian language!
The word for “hieroglyphs” in hieroglyphs! This inscription is painted on a sarcophagus at the MET.
Before we break down the meaning, are some common ways to write βhieroglyphsβ in hieroglyphs:
πΉππͺ
πΉππ¬
πΉπππ
Letβs take a closer look at each of the symbols! This will help us to understand the meaning better!
The βcloth on a pole πΉβ hieroglyph is an ideogram for the word god. πΉ is also a triliteral phonogram, and represents the letters βntrβ which may have been pronounced like βneter.β πΉ Is also a determinative for βgod.β So the βcloth on a pole πΉβ symbol can function as all three types of hieroglyphs πΉππͺ. If you see this symbol, you are most likely looking at a word that has to do with the gods πΉπΉπΉ!
The βstaff or walking stick πβ functions as both a phonogram (in this word) and as an ideogram (for the word β staff ππΊβ). π is a triliteral phonogram symbol and represents the sound βmdwβ or it can be a biliteral phonogram for βmdβ in certain cases. This symbol is used in a lot of words that have to do with speech (for example, βWords Spoken By ππππβ).
The βthree strokes π₯,β βthree grains of sand π¬β and the βthree repeated staffs πππβ symbols are what makes βwords/speechβ plural in the word! The plural is associated with the sound βw.β Now whatβs interesting is that the βstaff or walking stick πβ symbol is already βmdwβ so this is a case of a phonetic complement too!
So what does βπΉππͺβ actually mean? While we translate it as βhieroglyphs,β the actual phrase in Middle Egyptian is better translated as βGodβs Words,β βDivine Speech,β or βGodβs Speech.β This makes sense since the god πΉ Thoth π πππ was said to have invented hieroglyphs!
The word βπΉππͺβ would have been pronounced like βmdw ntrβ even though βntr πΉβ was written first due to honorific transposition! Usually the possessing noun (godβs) is written second, but out of respect for the gods, it was written first but then pronounced second! Itβs like how we say βten dollars ($10)β instead of βdollars ten.β
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Letβs read some Hieroglyphs πΉππͺ! Today we are going to learn about another jackal god πΉ because Anubis πππͺπ ±π£ isnβt the only jackal in ancient Egypt! Wepwawet ππππ₯ is likely the oldest god πΉ associated with the jackal ππΏππ₯ and we are going to learn how to read Wepwawet’s name in hieroglyphs πΉππͺ!
Wepwawet ππππ₯π§ is associated with war and conquest, and leading ritual processions. Wepwawetβs ππππ₯ name ππ translates to βOpener of the Ways,β which has many meanings. He was associated with clearing the path for the sun π³πΊ to rise in the sky πͺππ―, clearing the way for the armies in battle, and clearing the path for the deceased to enter the Duat πΌπΏππ. Statues ππ ±ππΎπͺ of Wepwawet ππππ₯ were also carried in front of a pharaoh ππ» during processions for this reason!Β
Wepwawet in Hieroglyphs and a small statue of Wepwawet that was most likely part of a standard (a staff used in ceremonies)
Letβs take a look at Wepwawetβs name ππ in hieroglyphs πΉππͺ!
ππππ₯ (this is the variant in the picture)
ππππ₯π§
ππππ₯π’
ππππ
πππππ
π§
Letβs break down the symbols!
The βhorns πβ symbol is a biliteral phonogram that has the sound of βwp.β
The βpath with shrubs πβ symbol is an ideogram for the words βroadβ and βway.β and represents the sound βw3t.β It can also be a determinative for βroad.β
The βflat loaf of bread πβ is a uniliteral phonogram used to represent the sound βt.β Here it is acting as a phonetic complement and emphasizing the βtβ sound at the end of βw3t π.β
The βthree strokes π₯β symbol is what makes βwaysβ plural in Wepwawetβs name! The βthree strokes π₯β is associated with the sound βwβ when making a word plural. The βpath with shrubs πβ symbol can also be repeated three times to make it plural.
The βjackal on a standard π§β symbol is both an ideogram and a determinative for βWepwawet.β This is why Wepwawetβs name can be written with just the symbol! This is the most common determinative to see associated with his name.
A small bronze statue of the god Wepwawet, which was most likely part of a standard.
One way to tell Wepwawet ππππ₯ and Anubis πππͺπ ±π£ apart is by how the jackal is standing: Anubis πππͺπ ±π£ is usually shown in the recumbent position (π’, π£, π€) while Wepwawet πππ₯ππ§ is usually shown standing up (π§, π¨).
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
