Helicopter hieroglyphs, Ancient hieroglyphic relief in Temple of Seti I, Abydos, Egypt
This group of hieroglyphs appears on a stone beam in the Temple of Seti I and formed through two successive layers of inscriptions. When plaster between the layers disappears, the overlapping characters create shapes that from certain angles resemble modern machines.
The original inscription appeared between 1294 and 1279 BC when Seti I built the temple. His successor Ramesses II had his own texts carved over the earlier reliefs between 1279 and 1213 BC.
The inscriptions show how new rulers carved their texts over earlier messages, with plaster between the layers eroding over time. This reuse of stone surfaces was common in ancient Egypt and explains why several writing layers overlap here.
The carvings appear on a temple wall and are best viewed in the morning hours. Side lighting at this time brings out the relief depth and makes the overlapping writing layers more visible.
The overlap of two pharaonic periods resulted in missing plaster layers leaving outlines that some viewers interpret as helicopters or tanks. This reading depends heavily on viewing angle and personal imagination, as these are accidental contours.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
