Ancient Egyptian symbols affected life in ancient Egypt, a fusion between the spiritual and physical aspects that became the foundation of their culture. This manifested in artistic architecture, symbols, amulets, and many objects used to bring good fortune and protection.
For centuries, the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs, temples, and monuments have whispered secrets in a silent but powerful language: hieroglyphs. These advanced symbols tell stories of pharaohs and gods, mortality and day-to-day life, beliefs, and journeys. Hieroglyphs were not just an ancient writing system; they were the visual essence of one of the most advanced civilizations in history.
These ancient Egyptian Symbols played a vital role in passing the culture from one generation to another, as they were written on temple walls & obelisks and used in magical and religious rituals for both the living and the dead. The Egyptian symbols were depicted in the form of hieroglyphs and treated as “The Words of Gods” which was used to document the most important events in ancient Egyptian History, their spiritual beliefs, and culture.
Hieroglyphs, derived from the Greek words hieros (sacred) and glyphein (to carve), are a system of writing that uses symbols or pictures to represent sounds, concepts, or objects. Each symbol had a phonetic or ideographic value and formed a complex writing system.Hieroglyphics were found on temple walls, tombs, monuments, and religious documents. You read into the faces of animals or individuals in the text.
The oldest known hieroglyphs show up around 3100 BCE, in Egypt’s early dynastic times. To write a word like “death” without an apotropaic determinative was thought to be injurious. Scribes were highly trained artisans, admired for their skill with the sacred writing.
Read also: The Language of the Pharaohs
The key to understanding hieroglyphs came in 1799 with the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, which had the same text in Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphic scripts.
Ancient Egyptian writing was used for a variety of purposes, from trading to war. Temples were considered the homes of the gods, and their walls were decorated as such. Many new scribes were employed to use hieroglyphs to count and keep track of numbers of crops or livestock. They would keep their used papyrus scrolls in a briefcase for later use; this kept their work organised.
Including hieroglyphs in tombs was considered extremely important, especially for a pharaoh’s tomb, as the symbols were considered a way to help them reach the afterlife. Government officials were trained scribes (some of whom even became pharaohs) whose job was to keep records regarding the state of the country. Of course, hieroglyphs were also used to teach scribes.
Hieroglyphs were so much more than a system of writing - they were a spiritual, artistic, and intellectual achievement that characterized Egyptian society. The symbols continue to captivate the world not simply because of their aesthetic appeal, but because they offer a direct link to the thoughts and conceptions of a civilization that lived over 3,000 years ago.
Learning to draw Egyptian symbols and hieroglyphs has never been easier thanks to the internet! Unless you are serious about wanting to master the ancient Egyptian language (which would require you to get a Bachelor’s degree in the field), it is recommended to use an online translation service.
Read also: Pharaohs: A detailed look
Ancient Egyptian symbols were a fusion between their ideas and their existence that took the shape of what the ancient Egyptians desired who were very creative and organized as each symbol had its own shape and meaning that came from their own lives. Each symbol played a role in their lives and often was related to ideas like life, death, birth, regeneration, power, love, protection, healing, weakness, hatred, and more.
Most Important Ancient Egyptian Symbols // Egypt Mythology
Key Ancient Egyptian Symbols and Their Meanings
Among the vast array of symbols, some stand out due to their prevalence and deep cultural significance.
1. The Ankh
The Ankh is one of the most famous and used symbols of ancient Egypt. The Ankh showcases the concept of internal like and divine protection. It’s a cross with a looped top in a key-like shape, which has no beginning or end like the spirit of Ra, plus represents eternal life, the morning sun, purifying the life-giving power of water, clairvoyance, and the union of opposites like earth and heaven and male and female (Isis and Osiris).That symbol appears in paintings, on temple walls, and in tombs as it was the key to existence and used as an amulet to provide divine protection to the point where it was believed to be the key that can open the door to the afterlife. The Ankh can be viewed as a symbol of Joy and Balance between masculinity and feminity. The ancient Egyptian Symbol was referred to as the key of the Nile River which represents the eternal union of heaven and earth.
The Ankh Egyptian symbol appeared in the Early Dynastic Period (3150 -2613 BCE) and by the Old Kingdom (2613-2181 BC) the Ankh symbol became a powerful symbol of eternal life and was known as Neb-Ankh. The symbol is associated with “The Knot of the Goddess Isis” and her powerful cult (c. 3150 - c.
The Ankh symbol can be seen in the hands of mostly all the Pharaohs & the ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. It’s also known as crux ansata by Coptic Christians which represents life and immortality.
Read also: The Art of Ancient Egypt
Note: The Ankh symbol is a symbol of life, protection, faith, energy, transformation, light, and fertility. The Ankh can also refer to the concepts and symbols of sexual union between the two opposite sexes and fertility due to its connection to the goddess Isis.
2. The Djed
The Djed is known as "The Backbone of Osiris", it represents strength and stability and is linked to Osiris god of the underworld, and Ptah god of creation which makes it a symbol of resurrection and eternal life. Ancient Egyptians believed the Djed pillar was a combination of four pillars that held the four corners of the earth. It was also used as a fertility pole that rose during festivals that emphasized balance in life and hope in the afterlife, provided by the great Gods & Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. A Djed column is often on the bottom of coffins where the backbone of the deceased would lay in order for the soul to stand up and walk into the afterlife.
The raising of the Djed Pillar was viewed as the grains rising from the earth plus it also shows the soul rising up from the body and moving to the Afterlife. In the book of the dead, the Djed symbol is associated with directing the soul to leave the body and head towards the afterlife leaving the earth behind.
Note: The spine of Osiris "Djed" is an ancient Egyptian symbol for stability in life and in the afterlife plus the enduring presence of the gods in one's life.
3. The Was Scepter
It was an ancient Egyptian symbol of power and dominion of the god and the king in ancient Egyptian history and culture. The ancient Egyptians believed the sky was supported on four pillars in the shape of a Was specter. It is known as “Sculptor of the Earth” which presented the absolute meaning of completeness and totality. The staff is topped with the head of a canine which was developed in the time of king Djet (c. 3000 - 2990 BCE) of the first dynasty. The god Ptah was able to combine the Anka, Djed, and the Was into his scepter, that was the only thing that fit his holiness. Since it was featured many times with set the god of chaos, the symbol was linked to the ideas of the desert and war.
Note: The Was Scepter is an ancient Egyptian symbol for power, authority, dominion, plus wealth, and happiness.
4. The Scarab
The Scarab symbol was one of the most well-known symbols of ancient Egypt during the first intermediate period (2181-2040 BCE) until the rise of Christianity. This ancient Egyptian symbol is seen in Egyptian art and iconography which is a species of the dung beetle. The shape of the scarab amulet came from the act of rolling the dung into a ball and laying its eggs in it and the dung served as food for the young when they hatched. The scarab was identified with the God Khepri who was more like Ra’s assistant who rolls the ball of the sun across the sky. The scarab hieroglyph letter refers to the ideas of existence, transformation, growth, effectiveness, and divine manifestation which explain why the symbol was used in describing the titles of officials, governmental places, and creating official royal seals.
Note: The Scarab is an ancient Egyptian symbol for life, death, good luck, transformation, growth, and creation.
5. The Tyet
The ancient Egyptian Symbol Tyet Also known as Tjet, Tiet/Tyet, known as the knot of Isis or the blood of Isis, looks a lot like the Anka symbol except for its arms curved down. The symbol dates to the old Kingdom (2613 - 2181 BC) and represents the female genitalia. It was used as a funerary amulet made of a red stone or glass and was associated with many Ancient Egyptian Goddesses as well as Isis. The Tyet was combined with the Djed to offer the complete union of feminine power and masculine power. The symbol was also linked to the Nephthys with the concepts of Burial and resurrection.It symbolizes the ideas of eternal life and resurrection. It is often paired with the Ankh offering the protection and security of both Isis and Osiris.
Note: The Tjet is an ancient Egyptian symbol for life, feminine power, security, protection, regeneration, love, blood & health.
6. The Lotus
The lotus symbol is considered to be a true icon in Egyptian Mythology and ancient Egyptian art. The flower a.k.a “Water lily” closes at night, sinks underwater then wakes up in the morning, that’s why it became a symbol of the sun, creation, and regeneration. The cult of Osiris also used the symbol related to funeral imagery and with the deceased entering the underworld which symbolizes reincarnation. The symbol was commonly used in art to represent Upper Egypt.
Note: The Lotus Flower is an ancient Egyptian symbol of Purity, cleanliness, Enlightenment, Rebirth, and Regeneration.
7. The Shen
The Shen symbol is a circle of rope that has no beginning and no end, in order to form an unbroken bond that symbolizes infinity, completeness, eternity, and divine protection which made its symbol extremely popular and well-presented. The word "Shen" comes from the Ancient Egyptian word which means "Encircle", the amulet of Shen was worn by everyone including kings. It was often linked to the Greek symbol omega which symbolizes infinity.
Note: The Shen Ancient Egyptian Symbol of Royalty, Protection, eternity, and infinity.
8. The Eye of Horus
The ancient Egyptian symbol Eye of Horus is also known as (Uto, Udjat, Wedjat) which represents healing, protection, good health, good luck, Royal power, sacrifice, and curative qualities, and is the most famous of ancient Egyptian symbols. The left eye belonged to the sky god Horus who gave it away to save his father Osiris who became the ruler of the underworld, the eye was later restored after saving the life of his father. The left eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents the magical abilities and powers of the sky which were either restored by Hathor or Thoth.
The Eye of Horus is an incredible example of the mathematical knowledge of ancient Egyptian as the Eyes of Horus are divided into six parts and each part was given a fraction as a measurement unit. All the six-part of the eyes is associated with different sense the right side of the eye represents smell, the pupil represents sight, the left side represents hearing, the curved tail that looks like a tongue represents taste, and the teardrop represents touch.
The Amulets of the eye were made out of Gold, Lapis Lazuli & carnelian and were found with both the dead and the living. The eye represents the moon and is considered a symbol of sacrifice. The Eye of Horus symbol corresponds to the location of the third Eye the key to clairvoyance.
Note: The Wadjet "Eye of Horus" is an ancient Egyptian symbol for protection, sacrifice, healing, Royalty, knowledge, love, good luck, and power. The Eye of Horus "Wadjet" means the totality or unity restored referring to the myth of Osiris.
9. The Eye of Ra
The Eye of the Ra is a famous ancient Egyptian symbol amulet capable of repelling all negative energy and creating total harmony. The origin of the symbol can be traced to a number of connected tales like the time when he sends his eye as a loving father to look for his lost children. During the absence of Ra’s original eye, another one grew. When the first eye successfully returned with the children, the eye was used as a weapon by other gods. The myth says the daughter of Ra used the power of the eye to punish the humans who ignored his instructions and laws but many gods feared the eye would destroy mankind so they capture and calmed the eyes and then returned to Ra. The symbol represents royal power & authority, regeneration, and peace.
The eye of Ra is associated with the destructive power of the sun, but the Egyptians also used it to protect buildings and themselves. The amulets were painted with a dark red color and worked to protect against evil entities or spells and create good health.
Note: The Eye of Ra is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, love, good health, royal authority, and power. The Eye of Ra represents the power of the sun to provide protection and destructive force.
10. The Crook and the Flail
The Crook and the Flail were considered a symbol of the state’s power and the king’s absolute might and control over his subjects. The word “Hekha” is an epithet of Osiris which means “To Rule” and is considered a symbol of royal power and dominion. The crook and the flail were first used as two emblems of the god Osiris which symbolized the authority of the Pharaohs. The Staff represents kingship, the Pharaoh is the shepherd of his people while the flail stood for the fertility of the land and the Pharaoh is the provider of food for his subjects.
Note: The Heka and Nekhakha are ancient Egyptian symbols of kingship, power, royalty, fertility, the divine authority of the Pharaohs, and wisdom. The Crook represents the caring wisdom of the Pharaoh as the shepherd and the fail represents the scourge needed to maintain order within the society.
11. Ouroboros
Ouroboros is one of the ancient Egyptian symbols of the sun which represents the travels of Aton and one of the aspects of the sun god. It represents rebirth, perpetuity, and recreation plus showcases the beginning and end across time. The symbol appeared for the first time in the tomb of King Tutankhamun when he was buried in the 14th century BC which showcases the unified Ra-Osiris.
Note: The Ouroboros is an ancient Egyptian symbol of time, life, death, fertility, rebirth, good health, good luck, and the cycle of life.
12. The Cartouche
The Cartouche is one of the most ancient and classical symbols of the ancient Egyptian Civilization, it is a clear connection and powerful symbolism to the sun which showcases the divine protection against evil spirits within this life and the afterlife. In Hieroglyph the cartouche represents the Egyptian-Language word for Name. It is an oval with a line at one end at right angles oval with a horizontal bar with a royal name in the middle.
Note: The Cartouche is an ancient Egyptian symbol of good luck, and protection from Evil in life before and after death that's why it can be found located in tombs.
13. The Uraeus
The Uraeus is an ancient symbol that represents the cobra the animal representation of the goddess Wadjet of royalty. The symbol is the embodiment of sovereignty, royalty, and divine authority. The ancient Egyptians believed that the Uranus symbol can provide magical powers and protection according to the myth of the cobra that was given to the pharaohs from the god Geb of the earth as a sign of kingship. The Uraeus was used as an ornament for statuary, was found on the top of his crown, and as an adornment on the pharaoh plus for jewelry and in amulets.
Note: Uranus is an ancient Egyptian symbol of royalty, the Sun, sovereignty, protection, divinity, and authority. It describes the legitimacy of the pharaoh and declares him the Great of Magic.
Pharaonic symbols were numerous in the life of ancient Egyptians and varied in their symbols, rituals, and use.
Other Notable Symbols
- The Winged Sun: A symbol of ancient Egypt but also used in other ancient cultures. This symbol was used as an amulet to provide protection to the Egyptians who wore it.
- Amenta: The symbol of Amenta in ancient Egyptian culture represents the land of the dead (the earthly world).
- Maat’s feather: Maat’s feather is one of the most common Egyptian symbols used in hieroglyphics. The goddess Maat represented justice in Egyptian culture and the Ma’at feather can be seen in the context of “ensuring justice” in ancient inscriptions.
- Deshret: Deshret, also known as the Red Crown of Egypt, is the symbol that represents Lower Egypt, the lands of the goddess Wadjet.
- Hedjet: Hedjet the White Crown was one of the two crowns of Egypt representing the kingdom of Upper Egypt.
- Menat: The Menat was an Egyptian necklace with a characteristic shape and a counterweight to keep it in the right position. This necklace was associated with the goddess Hathor and her son. According to Egyptian mythology, it was the amulet from which the goddess Hathor emitted her power.
- Nemyss: Nemyss is the Egyptian ritual headdress of the pharaohs. It’s best known for the popular images of King Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus.
- Obelisk: Obelisks were erected at the will of Pharaoh with the intention of invoking the protection of the Sun God Ra.
Influence and Legacy
Today, Egyptian symbols are most often appreciated for their aesthetic and historical value. They are most commonly used in art and design. If you truly love a certain Egyptian symbol, you might want to get it as a tattoo or framed artwork for your home.
The ankh has been adapted by many cultures, from African to Neopagan. You can see it today in Western culture in many places: on jewelry, tattoos, clothing, and in films.
Table of Ancient Egyptian Symbols and Their Meanings
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ankh | Life, immortality, protection |
| Djed | Stability, resurrection |
| Was Scepter | Power, dominion, authority |
| Scarab | Transformation, rebirth |
| Tyet | Protection, security, feminine power |
| Lotus | Creation, rebirth, enlightenment |
| Shen | Eternity, protection |
| Eye of Horus | Healing, protection, royal power |
| Eye of Ra | Protection, authority, power |
| Crook and Flail | Kingship, authority, fertility |
| Ouroboros | Cycle of life, rebirth |
| Cartouche | Protection, good luck |
| Uraeus | Royalty, divinity, authority |
Ancient Egyptian symbols continue to fascinate and inspire, offering a glimpse into a rich and complex culture that valued spirituality, power, and the promise of eternal life.
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