Ep 4. Decoding Hieroglyphics

In Secrets of the Dead season 20 episode 4, titled Decoding Hieroglyphics, viewers are taken on a journey to Egypt where they explore the world of hieroglyphics. Hieroglyphics were the written language of ancient Egypt, and they were used to convey everything from religious texts to government records.

The episode begins by discussing how initially, scholars believed that hieroglyphics could never be deciphered because they were too complex. However, in 1799, a French soldier named Pierre-Francois Bouchard discovered the Rosetta Stone, a decree written in three scripts: hieroglyphics, demotic script, and Greek. This allowed scholars to finally decipher hieroglyphics because they could compare the same text written in different scripts.

Viewers are introduced to Jean-Francois Champollion, the first person to successfully decipher hieroglyphics. Champollion was determined to understand hieroglyphics and, through years of research, he was able to crack the code. With his breakthrough, a whole new world of knowledge about ancient Egyptian civilization was unlocked.

Although Champollion's work was groundbreaking, he only managed to decipher about 90% of the hieroglyphics, leaving 10% of the language unexplained. This is where modern-day scholars come in. In Decoding Hieroglyphics, viewers meet a team of experts who are working to solve the remaining mysteries of the ancient language.

The experts explain that hieroglyphics were not just a language, but an art form. They were more than just pictures- they were carefully crafted symbols that conveyed deep meaning. For example, a picture of a bird might represent the word "ba," which meant "soul." The hieroglyphics were used to create complex texts full of symbolism and metaphor.

To help us understand how the experts are decoding hieroglyphics, the episode features stunning computer-generated graphics that bring hieroglyphic writing to life. Viewers see how the symbols were created and how they conveyed meaning through the use of color, line thickness, and placement.

One of the most interesting segments of the episode explores how hieroglyphics were used to create "magic spells." These spells were used in everything from healing to protection. They contained complex symbolism and often involved invoking the power of the gods.

The episode also discusses how hieroglyphics were used to record the history of ancient Egypt. These historical texts often contained information about daily life, such as what people ate, how they dressed, and what they did for work. They also held important religious and political information.

Overall, Decoding Hieroglyphics is a fascinating exploration of one of the world's oldest and most mysterious languages. Through the use of expert interviews, stunning graphics, and real-life examples of hieroglyphic writing, viewers are taken on a journey that illuminates the rich culture of ancient Egypt. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about the world around you, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.