Hieroglyphics is an ancient writing system used by the Egyptians that combines logographic and alphabetic elements. It consists of symbols and pictures that represent sounds, words, or ideas. This system was primarily used for religious texts, monumental inscriptions, and official documents, often carved into stone or written on papyrus. The Rosetta Stone was crucial in deciphering hieroglyphics, as it features the same text in three scripts: hieroglyphics, Demotic, and Greek. Scholars like Jean-François Champollion played a key role in unlocking the meaning of these symbols, allowing us to understand the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt.