Was ancient Egypt the first culture to develop true writing? Were hieroglyphs simply pictographs, or could they encode more sophisticated meanings? Who created and used them—and why were hieroglyphs eventually banned? In this Research for Writers seminar, we will explore the history and function of hieroglyphic writing, from the Narmer Palette to the Rosetta Stone and beyond. We will see how the origins of Egyptian hieroglyphs demonstrate a fundamental principle at the root of ancient writing in cultures around the world; and we will see how hieroglyphic writing led directly to the earliest known alphabet, which became the foundation for the Hebrew, Arabic, Roman and Greek alphabets still in use today. Along the way we will learn something of the individuals who expressed themselves through hieroglyphs—and we will understand why one ancient scribe exhorted his students, “Become a writer!”

Please note: This class or event is in-person and will be held at our center.