Hieroglyphics play an important role in understanding ancient Egyptian culture. One of the most commonly found and mysterious hieroglyphic symbols is known as the djed symbol. With the appearance of a pillar and three or more cross bars, there have been several theories as to the meaning of this enigmatic symbol, and what it represented to the ancient Egyptians who used it so frequently. Book of the Dead: A Magical Guide to the Egyptian Underworld Pharoah’s Little Helpers: The Shabti Funerary Statuettes of the Ancient Egyptians Alternate Interpretations and Fertility Symbolism The djed symbol has the appearance of a vertical shaft or pillar. It usually had four horizontal bars near the top, with a series of vertical lines between each bar. It also had four bands around the neck of the shaft, beneath the first of the horizontal bars. Sometimes it is topped with a capital. Read moreSection: ArtifactsAncient WritingsNewsMyths & LegendsAfricaAncient PlacesAfricaRead Later