What do we know about the writings of ancient Egypt, two hundred years
after Jean-Francois Champollion deciphered hieroglyphs? This Guide
answers the question in an easily accessible format, presenting the
current state of knowledge on the different scripts that were used in
the Land of Pharaohs. The reader will find more than fifty articles
written by specialists, presenting the diversity of scripts in time and
space, explaining the main principles of their functioning, and
describing the main contexts in which they were used. The guide begins
by offering an overview of the scripts of Egypt, from the appearance of
hieroglyphs up to the introduction of Arabic writing. It then explores
the multiple aspects of hieroglyphic writing: the number of glyphs and
their classification, the relationship between written glyphs and
figurative representations, the organization in space and the
materiality of hieroglyphs, the relationship of hieroglyphic writing to
spoken language, as well as the play on symbols and other so-called
enigmatic uses. Finally, the guide focuses on the main uses of writing
in ancient Egypt. Learning how to write, the use of movable and
monumental material, inscriptions on objects and graffiti, the
destruction of writing and systems of symbols are all practices that are
considered. The use of writing for specific purposes-such as
administrative, funerary or magical-or in specific socio-historical
contexts is also adressed.
