Cracking Egypt’s hieroglyphic code was one of humanity’s greatest feats. A riveting new exhibition at the British Museum celebrates the 200th anniversary
A papyrus containing ancient “spells”
The Trustees of the British Museum
Hieroglyphs: Unlocking ancient Egypt
The British Museum, London. Closes 19 February 2023, then tours to selected UK venues
STEPPING from the British Museum’s bright main atrium into a darkened space, I am confronted by a huge array of cubes. One face of each cube shows a hieroglyph, which you can rotate to find its meaning. I can see all sorts of symbols, from scarabs, owls and hawks to abstract patterns.
It is fun to explore, but also bewildering, with no obvious link between …