Hieroglyphs are a system of writing used in ancient Egypt that combines logographic and alphabetic elements. They consist of symbols representing sounds, words, or ideas, allowing for complex communication. Hieroglyphs were primarily used for religious texts, monumental inscriptions, and official documents. These symbols were often carved on temples, tombs, and papyrus scrolls. The writing system includes over 700 distinct characters, making it one of the most intricate forms of writing in history. Hieroglyphs played a crucial role in preserving Egyptian culture and history until their decline after the Roman conquest.