| Hieroglyph translates to "holy symbol" and involves a form of ancient writing involving pictures as opposed to words. The meaning of the symbols used in hieroglyph writing is believed to also convey the philosophy and beliefs of the ancient civilization employing the writing. Names of people had sacred and mystical meanings and were represented by symbols that also contained these meanings. Kings, priests, and gods often had "secret" names depicted through hieroglyphs. It was believed that if a magician could discover this secret name, he could command that person or god to do things for him by the power of mystical rites and incantations. Ancient civilizations that have employed hieroglyphics include the Aztecs, Egyptians, Mayans and several others. The meaning of the Egyptian hieroglyphics was lost until the Rosetta Stone was found by Napoleon, and deciphered by a historian in the nineteenth century. |
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