Hieroglyphics are a form of writing that was used by the Egyptians. This writing consisted of drawings and pictures that represented letters and words. Many hieroglyphs were carved or painted on Egyptian monuments. They were also carved Hieroglyphs were used to keep records. Egyptians believed that hieroglyphs were gifts from the gods. The word hieroglyph is a Greek word that means "sacred carving." Hieroglyphs were carved into the walls of pyramids and tombs because they were said to protect the dead. Most Egyptians couldn't write because there were over 700 symbols and signs to remember. When hieroglyphs were abandoned no one was able to read or translate them until 1822. Jean-Francois Champollion was the first person to translate hieroglyphs. It was then that people became fascinated with this type of writing.

Click on each picture below to see a full view of each student cartouche.

Click on the blank cartouche above and print it out to make your own cartouche project.