i18n and L10n: 13 - Unicode Egyptian Hieroglyphs
The latest edition of the Unicode Standard, version 5.2.0 now includes Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Author: Matthew Wittering | Published: 23rd December 2009
The first recorded use of Hieroglyphs in Egypt was in the Protodynastic Period. The generally accepted date is between 3100 BC - 3000 BC. During this time King Scorpion I ruled Upper Egypt. King Scopion's tomb was plundered during antiquity, but small ivory plaques where found. Each with its own hole and hieroglyph scratched on to its surface.
Photo 1: Egyptian Hieroglyphics, credit Helvis1212.
The explanation given by many is that there where the names of families or towns and used to mark the origin of taxes. By tagging the offerings the Pharaoh could track the tributes he had received. Taxes tend to be the most accurate records kept by any civilisation.
The latest edition of the Unicode Standard, version 5.2.0 now includes Egyptian Hieroglyphs located in Plane 1. To see all of the hieroglyphs now included download the consortium's Egyptian Hieroglyphs Chart.
If you are unfamiliar with Unicode, it maps characters and glyphs to computer code points. If you would like to know more I suggest you use my article on unicode as a jumping off point. Or equally you may wish to read the Wikipedia Unicode article.
Links
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protodynastic_Period_of_Egypt
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpion_I
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_hieroglyphs
- http://www.unicode.org/charts/
- http://www.unicode.org/charts/PDF/U13000.pdf
This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence
I am a graduate of Lougborough University where I read Computing and Management BSc (Hons) earning a 2:1 classification.