Final Post

Completing this blog as opposed to a research paper was a very interesting experience. I am glad that I learned how to create a blog (I utilized these skills in another class already!) but I must say, I think I prefer a research paper--not because I hate blogging, but because I actually don't really mind doing research papers and enjoy the traditional approach. I feel like with the more colloquial approach of the blog, the research I performed was not as thorough as it would have been had I written a research paper. I also spent more time formatting the information I already knew to be interactive and comprehensive to the average Web browser rather than learning new things myself. The entire project itself took less time than a research paper, which I appreciated since this was quite a busy semester. Still, I think I would have gotten more out of a formal paper. Oh well. As I said before, I learned how to blog, so I can use those skills in the future.

Ancient Egyptian Sad Face?

Met Reflections (Post #5)

Seeing hieroglyphics on real artifacts from ancient Egypt was really cool. While I didn't really learn anything new, I was able to see what I have been researching in person, which is an invaluable experience. Some of the sarcophagi had literally hundreds of 'glyphs inscribed on them, so I now have a real appreciation for the time and attention to detail that went into creating them. I could have stayed in the Egyptian wing for days--there was so much to see! I wish I had brought a better camera in order to capture the tiny details of the hieroglyphics, because most of my pictures turned out blurry.

I still really want to actually go to Egypt one day. I would visit the temples and see the obelisks and definitely go to the Cairo Museum. The one thing I wouldn't do is go inside the pyramids, because I am horribly claustrophobic (darn!). There is something about seeing artifacts in the land where they were made that is different than seeing them anywhere else.

Off to the Met!

Hey everyone! Tomorrow my Classical World class is visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art--I can't wait! I'm going to be looking at certain artifacts in order to better understand how hieroglyphics were used in ancient Egypt.
1. A Magical Stela  http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/100002599
This piece of stone is almost three feet tall and covered in hieroglyphs. It records several spells about protection against snake bites and other poisons, and tells the story of the god Thoth curing Horus of a snake bite using them. I'll probably read the full translation before tomorrow so I can really appreciate what the artifact is saying. When I actually see it, I want to study the details of the combination of text and art used to depict the message.
2. Pectoral and Necklace http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/100000450?rpp=20&pg=1&ft=hieroglyphic&pos=2
This necklace was discovered in the tomb of a princess beside the pyramid of Senwosret II. It is made of gold and several precious jewels. The pendant contains several figures as well as a cartouche, spelling the name of Senwosret II. All together, the pendant says, "The god of the rising sun grants life and dominion over all that the sun encircles for one million one hundred thousand years to King Khakheperre [Senwosret II]." This artifact depicts how important hieroglyphics were, to be used in an everyday object.
3. Inner Coffin of Khonsu http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/100001031?img=0
The inner coffin was just as important as the outer sarcophagus. This one is made of wood and painted with figures and hieroglyphics. This artifact shows the importance of hieroglyphics as a means to reach the afterlife. If a king was not accompanied by his name and the correct spells, his ba or soul could be lost in oblivion.

Cartouches

"Cartouche" is actually not an Egyptian word at all, it is French. Egyptian word is "shenew", meaning "to encircle," as the cartouche encircles the pharaoh's name. The French called these ovals cartouches because they resembled bullet casings, which is what "cartouche" means in French, and Egyptologists simply adopted this term...Read More!

Ancient Egyptian ABCs

Before you could learn to read, you had to learn the alphabet. So before we can tackle reading 4,000-year-old inscriptions, we have to learn the "alphabet" of the ancient Egyptians. Contrary to popular belief, the alphabet was not invented by the Greeks, or the Egyptians. The alphabet was invented centuries before in Sumer...Read More!

Hello World!

I suppose I should begin by introducing myself. My name is Kendra and I'm a high school senior. This blog is an assignment for my Classical World class--I have been tasked with exploring an area of ancient history that interests me. Well, it just so happens that I am CRAZY about ancient Egypt. I have decided to focus on hieroglyphics: their artistry and linguistics. Over the coming months, I hope to analyze inscriptions on popular pieces of Egyptian art and share with you all the secrets of this mysterious language. While I like to think I am already quite knowledgeable about ancient Egypt, my ability to fluently read hieroglyphics is not too extensive... but hopefully through my studies I will improve! In December, I will be taking a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to view their fantastic Egyptian exhibit. I can't wait!

Stay tuned!