Writing+Systems-+Nile+River+Civilization



The artifact above is a tablet showing a portion of hieroglyphic writing. This writing system was used in the Nile Valley River Civilization. Hieroglyphics first appeared around 3200 B.C.E. This symbol based form of communication expressed ideas along with sounds; simplifying the former pictograph method of communication. These symbols were most commonly found on papyrus or written along temple walls (which is how this was named, as hieroglyphics means "holy inscriptions" in Greek). There are over 4,000 symbols that make up Egyptian hieroglyphics. This artifact was chosen because it helps one understand the people of the Nile better. The picture shows the tablet is from a part of a wall; which is most likely from a temple. Writing messages in places of religious importance indicates that the people of the Nile used this to communicate with the Gods, or declare their worship towards them. Therefore, one can conclude that in this river valley civilization, religious beliefs dominated one's lifestyle, giving one a beter insight to the people of the Nile.