HIERATIC SCRIPT Meaning and
Definition
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Hieratic script is a form of writing used in ancient Egypt during the Middle Kingdom period until the Greco-Roman period. It emerged around 2700 BCE as a simplified and cursive version of the more pictorial hieroglyphic script. Hieratic script was primarily used for administrative and religious purposes, thus becoming the script of choice for scribes and priests.
This script consisted of a combination of characters, represented as individual signs or ligatures, which were more simplified and curvilinear compared to hieroglyphs. Hieratic writing was typically executed with a reed brush or a reed pen on papyrus or ostraca, although it could also be carved or painted on various surfaces.
The purpose of hieratic script was to provide a more efficient and rapid writing system that could be deployed for various bureaucratic and religious functions, such as recording legal documents, religious texts, and royal decrees. Its development also facilitated the widespread dissemination of religious texts, making them more accessible to a broader range of individuals.
Hieratic script was eventually replaced by demotic script around the 8th century BCE, but elements of its influence can still be seen in Coptic writing. Its transliteration and decipherment contributed significantly to our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization, helping to unlock numerous historical and cultural insights.
Common Misspellings for HIERATIC SCRIPT
- gieratic script
- bieratic script
- nieratic script
- jieratic script
- uieratic script
- yieratic script
- hueratic script
- hjeratic script
- hkeratic script
- hoeratic script
- h9eratic script
- h8eratic script
- hiwratic script
- hisratic script
- hidratic script
- hirratic script
- hi4ratic script
- hi3ratic script
- hieeatic script
Etymology of HIERATIC SCRIPT
The word "hieratic" is derived from the Greek word "hieratikos", which means "priestly". It comes from the Greek word "hieros", meaning "sacred" or "holy", which is commonly associated with religious or sacred matters. The term "hieratic script" refers to a form of writing used in ancient Egypt, often associated with religious texts and primarily used by priests.
