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Decoding ancient writing
In this History video, teachers receive clear guidance for supporting the children as they explore the importance of writing in early civilisations, with a focus on ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and the Rosetta Stone.
The content introduces writing systems such as Mesopotamian cuneiform, Maya glyphs and Egyptian hieroglyphics, explaining how they developed to record laws, trade, religion and culture. Teachers are supported in explaining how scholars, including Thomas Young and Jean-François Champollion, used the repeated texts on the Rosetta Stone to decipher hieroglyphics.
As part of Kapow Primary’s ancient Egypt series, the children examine the symbolic and phonetic features of hieroglyphics, the purpose of cartouches and the evolution of writing. Strategies are provided to address misconceptions and promote historical enquiry through primary source analysis.
See more of our Year 3 History scheme of work.
- History, Year 3, *New* What was important to ancient Egyptians? Lesson 3: How do we know so much about ancient Egyptians?
- History, Year 3, *New* What was important to ancient Egyptians?
- History, Year 3/4 (B), *New* What was important to ancient Egyptians? Lesson 3: How do we know so much about ancient Egyptians?
- History, Year 3/4 (B), *New* What was important to ancient Egyptians?
