Hieroglyphs are a form of communication that uses characters and symbols which represent objects and ideas. The term hieroglyph meaning "sacred carving" was first used by the ancient Greeks to describe decorative characters carved on Egyptian monuments. Archaeological discoveries support the fact that Egyptian hieroglyphs may be the oldest form of written communication. The earliest evidence found of Egyptian hieroglyphics being used is believed to be from about 3300 or 3200 BC, and the Egyptians used hieroglyphs for the next 3,500 years.