Hieroglyphs are a system of writing used in ancient Egypt, consisting of pictorial symbols that represent sounds, words, or concepts. These symbols were often carved on monuments, tombs, and papyrus scrolls, serving both decorative and communicative purposes. The Egyptians used hieroglyphs for religious texts, official inscriptions, and record-keeping. This writing system includes over 700 symbols, which can be combined in various ways to convey complex ideas. Hieroglyphs were primarily used by priests and scribes, making them an essential part of ancient Egyptian culture and history.