10 ancient Egyptian symbols and it’s meanings

Have you ever wondered about how the first language on earth looks like? The ancient Egyptian language is excites from thousands of years ago and it was the beginning of a real communication between people. This is the foundation of a huge culture that is still excites until today and helped us to reveal all the hidden secrets. This ancient language used to Shown in different forms like an artistic architecture, symbols, amulets, and many other objects they were used it to bring good fortune and protection.

We know everything about this ancient culture today because of this language as we can see it on the temple walls or obelisks. This symbols is the depicted form of hieroglyphs language that we all know today.

In this blog we will tell you the meaning of 10 ancient Egyptian symbol

You will read in this article

Feeling Lost ?

Plan with us! Your dream vacation is a click away.

The Ankh

This symbol “ankh” is the most famous one that used many times in ancient Egypt, Its meaning in the hieroglyphic system presents the concept of eternal life. We all know this Ankh symbol as “the key of life” or “the key of the Nile”, you can find the key of life in many Egyptian tomb and other art paintings.

Djed

This unique symbol infront of you used to known as ‘the god’s backbone’ and it means  stability, fertility, and eternal life. The ancient Egyptians used to paint this symbol on the sarcophagi in order to help the dead’s souls pass to the afterlife safly.

 

Eye Of Ra

Eye of Ra is a very famous symbol too and the main concept of this symbol is to present the personification of many goddesses in Egyptian mythology like the gods Wadjet, Hathor, Mut, Sekhmet, and Bastet. So the meaning of this symbole referese to the sun god or the Sun

 

Was

This symbol of ‘Was Sceptre’ was the meaning of power in ancient Egypt as it used to the dominion of gods. That’s why ancient Egptians belived this symbol brings the prosperity continuance to the king and to gain the power along his reign period.

 

Cartouche

Cartouche is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic nameplate and it links to the meaning of the sun.

The ancient Egyptians used the cartouche to present the meaning of protection against evil spirits in the after life or even the exist one.  Ancient Egyptian at that time used this symbol too in order to gain the divine protection during their life.

 

 

 

The Lotus

Lotus is kind of unique flower that has a great meaning as a symbol in ancient Egypt. They used to refere into the Lutos flower as the rebirth symbol, but there are two types of lotus flower in the ancient times, one was in white and the other was blue.

Lotus flower was also present the concept of unification of the two Egyptian kingdoms. They were using this flower also in the perfumes section as they were able to produce form it a pleased fragrance. Regarding hte healing part, lotus flower has an analgesic colored antispasmodic and it also have to ability to heal infections.

This is the reason behind taking this symbol as the meaning of rebirth.

 

Uraeus 

Uraeus is kind of a Greek word that means The cobra, this symbol was very important to the gods and pharaohs in ancient Egypt. As the cobra used to present the goddess Wadjet which is the goddess of royalty.

The Uraeus cobra was a fetsh that all the ancient Egyptian beleiced it presents magical powers and offers magical protection based on a very famous legend at that time. BA

 

 

 

 

Winged Sun

The winged sun or as it known in ancient Egypt, Behdety was a very important symbol that presents the god  Behedti which is the god of the midday sun.

They used this symbolto be as an amulet to give protection to whoever wears it.

 

Nemyss Egyptian symbol

Nemyss is the famous Egyptian ritual headdress for the pharaohs that is well know around the world. The world knew it from the popular image of Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus.

This nemyss is made out of linen that rises from the forehead and hangs down the shoulders. This is the main symbol that presents the pharaohs that’s why everyone use it nowadays to show the pharaohs periods.

Pschent Crown

Pschent Crown is the Double Crown for the unified Egypt, the upper and lower Egypt. It’s consist of the Red and White Crown which are called Deshret and Hedjet. The white crown is on the top and it presents upper Egypt, then the Red crown in the bottom and it presents lower Egypt. King Narmer came and unifid the whole Egypt and make this crown with both colors to be the royal crown for the new unified Egypt.

This is only a small part for the Ancient Egyptian symbols and their meaning and we took you to a quick journey around the pharaoh’s culture. You can now come and visit Egypt and once you see one of those symbols you will be totally aware of its meaning.

Hieroglyphy has so much to offer and more interesting sybmols to present, you can read more about the magic of the Hieroglyphy language.

Your Journey, Your Way

Every traveler is different — let’s create a bespoke itinerary that’s perfectly aligned with your dreams.

Related Articles

Facts About Queen Nefertiti
Nefertiti is a famous and mysterious name in ancient Egyptian history! Everyone enjoys knowing mo...
Facts about Queen Cleopatra
Queen Cleopatra is one of the most famous rulers of Ancient Egypt, and it has a mysterious histor...

Related Tours

Budget Trip

Planning a holiday is not cheap nowadays which lets most of us..
Start from
aView Tour Details

Romantic Cairo Nile Cruise Hurghada

Discover the most interesting romanitc tours in Egypt through our special tour..
Start from
aView Tour Details

Nile Cruise Pyramids

One of the most remarkable travel packages in Egypt GAT Tours is..
Start from
aView Tour Details

Pyramids Nile Valley Lake Nasser Cruise

“Egyptmania” would be the best word to describe this marvelously tailor-made Egypt..
Start from
aView Tour Details

All Egypt Sites Egyptology Tour package

Did you ever dream of traveling to the most enjoyable deep-rooted civilization..
Start from
aView Tour Details
Why Book With Us?

What Our Travelers Say

Hear real stories and experiences from our happy travelers who made unforgettable memories with us
Posted on Google Google
Marwa Ahmed profile picture
Marwa Ahmed
17 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
شركه محترمه وبتوفر ناس محترمه للتعامل والتعامل معاهم سهل ومريح ولو كلمتهم ف اي وقت بلاقيهم
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Ash D profile picture
Ash D
93 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
6/5 stars 6/5 stars GAT tours took care of every detail and were amazing in every way. Would highly recommend them
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Ihor George C profile picture
Ihor George C
162 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Trip of a lifetime We just got back from a family "trip of a lifetime" to Egypt: 3 couples arrived in Cairo from different parts of US and Canada, at different flights and times, and yet the reception and arrival coordination and documents arrangement could not have been smoother. All was arranged, and the trip was custom designed by Ahmet from GAT Tours. We were a bit apprehensive considering the issues in the Middle East, but really there never has been a moment of concern and a complete feeling of safety as we were chauffeured, flown and sailed to the various destinations of this great country of Egypt. We visited the important sites around Cairo : the fantastic, new, Grand Egyptian Museum, the pyramids, the Sphinx, Civilization Museum, the market, Citadel, and other sites. Our hotel was first class. Our voyage down the Nile from Luxor was in upgraded suites (courtesy of GAT) on top of the line Sonesta Cruise line : gourmet meals in absolute comfort! We were lucky to have Asmaa in Cairo and Simon in Luxor and Aswan to guide us through the exhilarating sites of Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Kim Ombo, Edfu, Abu Simbel etc. in a very knowledgeable and entertaining fashion. WOW !! What a trip. GAT Tours made it happen. George C.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Andrew C profile picture
Andrew C
168 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Fantastic family trip to Cairo and Luxor. GAT tours was great Our tour guides Asmaa and Simon made our trip to Cairo and our Nile cruise so much more meaningful.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Marc C profile picture
Marc C
168 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Cairo and Nile Cruise This was an excellent tour! GAT Tours planned every detail and was very accommodating. We were initially going to cancel the tour considering the recent instability in the Gulf Region, however, the tour manager (Ahmed Omar) ensured our safety. We felt very safe in the hands of our tour guides (Asmaa - in Cairo and Simon in Luxor/Aswan). Both tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, personable, engaging, and advised us well on how to save time and money at the various sites and markets. Strongly recommend Asmaa and Simon as tour guides! Our travel/logistics person (Seif) was also great. He ensured our transportation, pick-ups, and meals were all on time. Everyone operating the tour was accessible and responsive via iPhone. The tour guides really showed us how rich their culture (ancient or modern) is. Highly recommend this tour: Six adults (incl. 2 seniors). My personal favorites: Valley of the Kings, GEM, and any of the evening tours of the temples!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Angustias R profile picture
Angustias R
169 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Una agencia muy fiable Fue todo excelente desde Dina hasta Omar el representante de la agencia , los guías auténticos profesionales , nos sentimos muy agustos y protegidos
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Neil91 profile picture
Neil91
171 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Good experience overall It’s a mixed review of the tour and I will divide it into office staff and guide & drivers. Ahmed Omar in Cairo office helped us with our 5 days-Nile cruise and associated sightseeing. He was very prompt, polite and professional. As we didn’t get the morning flight on the day of our cruise, Ahmed helped us book a Luxor hotel for the night before. He also asked us for a personal favour and we obliged. Ahmed was thoughtful and offered to arrange ‘meet and greet’ at Cairo airport, in addition to the pick up on our return to Cairo after the cruise. Mr Mina met us at Cairo airport for helping with visa, Sim and money exchange. Despite Ahmed’s assurance that we would be helped with exchanging money, Mr Mina was walking out without doing that. When my wife pointed that out, he tried to blame us for not reminding him, which was not very nice! At Luxor airport, we were expecting My Ayman, but someone else came, which is fine. He was helpful and went to the hotel with us and next morning picked us up from hotel and dropped us at the cruise. We chose Sonesta star goddess for our trip and Ahmed had arranged everything. The guide Mohamed Refaat met us at 3pm. He said was a freelancer, and that he was given to us because he is a close friend of Mr Ayman. We found difficult to understand his English initially and his knowledge was just ok. He spent 20 minutes outside the Karnak temple talking about canals etc and as a result we had to rush at the end. He didn’t offer to take photos, but obliged whenever we asked. He repeated himself a lot and was not very interesting or engaging. We did think of calling the office to change him but didn’t. In Aswan, he said that we should pay for the felucca ride which was included. And then went on to say that we should pay the driver as he is not paid well and that we have to spend a lot during our Abu Simbel trip. On the final day, Mohamed went to our cruise reception and asked the person to give us an envelope and then turned around and told me to give them tips, before he leaves. That was very disrespectful behaviour and we were angry. Then we went to Abu Simbel and throughout the journey, he mostly chatted with the driver or slept. The driver, Kareem, was holding his phone with his left hand and talking while driving on the highway, which we found quite scary. Despite clearly telling Mohamed that we will not take out money using our card and that we will exchange money when we return to Aswan, after our trip finishes, he kept asking us to take money out throughout the day whenever he saw an ATM, very irritating behaviour. It left us with a bad taste. On the positive side, he was always on time, was friendly and did the basics. There were other little negative things like the car didn’t have water or tissue box, though it was sorted after informing Ahmed twice. It would have been good if someone from Gat tour contacted us directly to see if we were ok. We had to keep texting Ahmed for all minor issues, and he was always prompt. The representatives for Aswan airport and then again at Cairo airport were all on time and professional. So overall it was good. Gat tours is recommended but the guide Mohamed is definitely not.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Malau M profile picture
Malau M
204 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Agence au top Agence vraiment au top gestion des visites, transports, choix des hôtels malgré des changements d’horaires causer par les avions, une personne était là à chaque étape au moment de notre arrivée. Un grand merci à Dina qui nous a organisé un séjour sur mesure en famille dont nous garderons de merveilleux souvenirs
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Anne profile picture
Anne
207 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
The best! Highly recommended! 10 out of 10 The best. Seamless from start to finish. Nothing is too much. Excellent communications. We did the Renaissance 5 day river cruise from Luxor to Aswan. 4 of us. We had our own knowledgeable and very solicitous guide who accompanied us throughout the cruise. GAT also met us at the airport and in Luxor to take us to the boat and introduce us to our tour guide. Everything on time, with clear communication. GAT also booked us the Elite sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor. Their cost was was very reasonable and it was a fabulous experience: a wonderful, clean and well designed compartment with excellent service, they even provided slippers! Mr Omar, one of the managers, based in Cairo, was superb in choreographing our entire trip. Thank you GAT
Posted on Google Google
Ehab Marzouk profile picture
Ehab Marzouk
214 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
شركه في غايه الاحترام .مواعيد محترمه وأسعار مناسبه جدا ..بصراحه مكنتش شايل هم اي حاجه وانا معاهم
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more