The helicopter hieroglyphs is a name given to part of an Egyptian hieroglyph carving from the Temple of Seti IatAbydos. It is a palimpsest relief with two overlapping inscriptions, the titles of Ramesses II superimposed on those of his predecessor Seti I. They have been wrongly interpreted as an out-of-place artifact depicting a helicopter and other examples of advanced technology, in pseudo-scientific ancient astronaut circles.[1]
The "helicopter", a product of pareidolia,[2] is made up of a bow hieroglyph of Seti I, and two arm hieroglyphs of Ramesses II.[3]
The initial carving was made during the reign of Seti I (c. 1294–1279 BC) and translates to:[3]
Powerful of scimitar, who suppresses the nine bows (enemies of Egypt), [...], Menmaatra (throne name of Seti I)
Ramesses II (c. 1279–1213 BC), Seti's successor, had the hieroglyphs filled in with plaster and re-carved the inscription to:[3]
Two Ladies: protector of Egypt, who repels foreign lands, [...], Usermaatra-Setepenre (throne name of Ramesses II)
Over time, the plaster has eroded away, leaving both inscriptions partially visible, creating a palimpsest-like effect of overlapping hieroglyphs.[4]
