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!