If you've ever wanted to read the names on temple walls rather than just admire them, picking a first hieroglyph course is a real decision. You need something structured enough to turn unfamiliar symbols into a workable reading system, yet approachable enough to stay with. If your language education study plan includes ancient Egyptian, this single set deserves a close look.
Quick verdict
For a self-directed learner who likes video lectures and a printed guide, this is a practical buy. The listed price is USD 25.00, and the package is a full course rather than a single lecture. The teacher is Bob Brier, an Egyptologist from LIU Post described as "Mr. Mummy," so you're learning from someone with real command of the subject.
Who it suits
This course is built for beginners who want to move from looking at hieroglyphs as decoration to reading them as language. It frames the writing system as the gateway to understanding ancient Egypt, and the lessons are built around that idea. It's best suited to learners who can follow a video series and reinforce it with a guidebook. If you need a quick app-like experience, an instructor-led DVD course is a different kind of commitment.
The Great Courses: Decoding the Secrets of Egyptian Hieroglyphs
The core appeal is having a full course in one box. The disc set is paired with a guidebook, and the widescreen standard edition comes in a jewel case, which keeps the physical set neat on a shelf. The course is listed as brand new, and its genre is educational and historical rather than a casual documentary. The main thing to weigh is the format: this is a DVD set, so you'll need a compatible player and a block of time set aside for lessons.
What stands out from the listed details
Bob Brier's background stands out. He is a noted public educator and Egyptologist known as "Mr. Mummy," which gives the course a clear sense of authority. The structure also stands out: a widescreen standard edition means you can follow along at your own pace, and the included guidebook gives you something to hold while you watch. The course is designed for people who want to learn rather than just be entertained.
Meaningful trade-offs
The trade-off is the physical DVD format. If your study time happens on a commute or in short breaks, pulling out a DVD set and guidebook is less convenient. The course asks for a real time commitment, and you'll need a player that can handle discs. For a learner who wants everything in one package, that's acceptable; for someone who wants flexible access, it's a limitation.
Bottom line
At USD 25.00, The Great Courses: Decoding the Secrets of Egyptian Hieroglyphs gives you a structured starting point. The combination of Bob Brier's teaching and a complete course package makes it a practical choice if you're ready to study with purpose and work through the material at your own pace.
