Ancient Egyptians viewed death as a transition to eternal life, shaping their funerary practices, tombs, and mummification. Guided by the Book of the Dead, they sought Osiris' judgment and a smooth journey to the afterlife. Burial customs varied by status, with rituals and offerings ensuring immortality.
Death in Ancient Egypt was the driving force behind all the great archaeological wonders found across the lands. This doesn’t mean that the ancient Egyptians hated life but celebrated it throughout the full year in fact, they tried to make their promised paradise on earth as seen and proven by all the great monuments, carvings, and artifacts. In the religious and mythical world of the ancient Egyptian civilization, death was a form of transformation where everyone transitioned into another state of complete eternal existence.
The ancient Egyptians believed that cleanliness is the body and soul had to be purified when it comes to being in the presence of the ruler of the Underworld Osiris who will offer a gateway leading to the afterlife if the person is worthy. The ancient Egyptians had a strong belief system that stated that death was a form of rebirth as they customized their funerary practices, mummification techniques, tomb construction, burial rituals, and a number of monuments & artifacts that are created to assist every human being across their journey to the afterlife.
Death was the key which was feared by the ancient Egyptians like any rational human being but was also seen as a way of rebirth and the passing to the afterlife where you reap what you sow.
The ancient Egyptians believed that Ingratitude was the ultimate gateway sin which let all other sins into one’s life according to the tale of “Discourse Between a Man and His Ba” (also translated as Discourse Between a Man and His Soul and The Man Who Was Weary of Life) which dates the Middle Kingdom Of Egypt (2040-1782 BCE) which was a time where freedom of expression.
The sum of the story is that when one is grateful then he/she should be grateful and then give thanks to the powers that be and if one feels ungrateful then a downward spiral will lead to other sins loaded with selfishness, pride, depression, bitterness, and negative thought. Many works of fiction challenged the concept of eternal life as seen in the tale of the Lay of the Harper which also dates to the middle kingdom due to lingering cynicism because of the cultural shifts and chaos that come within any society and government which is part of any living civilization.
Funerary practices in ancient Egypt were deeply affected by the socioeconomic atmosphere of Egypt which varied depending on social status, with very distinct customs for all the royal kings and common people.
The kings or Pharaohs plus other high-ranking royal individuals were usually buried in grand more massive pyramid complexes most notably in the Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BCE) or colossal temples or hidden underground structures like the Valley of the Kings during the New Kingdom Of Egypt (1550 - 1070 BC).
These complexes contained elaborate designs that came in the shape of great pyramids, temples, causeways, and mortuary temples. The bodies of royal kings were subjected to a complex mummification process which is also known as the opening of the mouth which was made in great constructions like the valley temple in Giza Complex. Mummification was a key element in purifying the body by removing internal organs, desiccating the body with salts to dry it out, and wrapping it in layers of linen bandages.
The mummified king was then placed in a series of Egyptian coffins and nested within Egyptian sarcophagi that contained an incredible amount of treasures and goods. Pharaohs were buried with a wealth of grave goods to accompany them into the afterlife which was believed to be used along their journey to the afterlife. These included furniture, jewelry, food, clothing, cosmetics, and even boats plus every animal and some servants were mummified along with their rulers.
Most of all mummified bodies of royal kings were placed in hidden burial chambers within the pyramid complexes like the Giza complex and the Ben-ben Valley of the kings. These chambers were protected by intricate traps “ The Pharaoh’s Curse” and passages to prevent tomb robbers.
The common people were typically buried in a more simpler tombs such as small mastabas (rectangular structures with sloping sides) or rock-cut tombs. These tombs were often located on the outskirts of cities like Saqqara or in communal burial grounds across the ancient cities of Egypt. Commoners were also subjected to less elaborate and expensive mummification when compared to royal mummification then the bodies were often wrapped in linen bandages and placed in wooden coffins.
All the Grave Goods of the Commoners were not as extravagant as those of the royal kings and were often buried with personal belongings and items they might need in the afterlife which include pottery, food offerings, tools, and personal possessions. Family members and loved ones would visit the tombs of the common people to bring offerings, perform rituals, and pay respects in the hopes of maintaining a connection with the deceased, ensuring their well-being in the afterlife, and assisting them in entering through the gates of the field of reeds.
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Mummification in ancient Egypt was the ultimate preparation in order to complete all the needed Egyptian funerary practices to enter the afterlife since its establishment around 3100 BCE. The ancient Egyptians believed that the preservation of the body was vital for the soul to continue its existence and transition into the next world. They believed that the body, or more specifically, the "ka" (spiritual essence) within the body, needed an intact physical form to dwell in and return to after death.
Mummification made sure the deceased person's body was prevented from decay which would explain why it took about over 70 days to fully complete. It was believed that if the body decomposed, the soul would not be able to recognize or re-inhabit it in the afterlife. By preserving the body, the ancient Egyptians sought to ensure the continuity of life after death. The mummification took a lot of skill and ingenuity which was first washed and purified, and then the internal organs, except for the heart, were removed and put in canopic jars that hold the face of the four sons of Horus.
The body was then dehydrated using natron and then packed with dry materials. Afterward, the body was wrapped in layers of linen bandages and placed in a series of coffins or sarcophagi. The mummified body was often anointed with amazing oils and adorned with amulets and charms to provide divine protection in the afterlife.
The construction of the ancient Egyptian tombs was a very elaborate and significant process that had a very crucial role in taking the first step leading to the afterlife. The tombs were usually built before death when the person is alive which can only be afforded by pharaohs, members of the royal family, and high-ranking officials. All the tombs were made in the image of the deceased thus reflecting his achievements, history, and all of his good deeds to ensure his safe passage to the afterlife.
The location of the tombs where carefully chosen and was usually made in places that held a mythical value. The construction of a tomb began with the design and planning phase. The tomb's layout and architectural features were carefully considered, incorporating religious and symbolic elements.
The tomb was built using limestone blocks with granite sometimes, while the walls were plastered and decorated with intricate reliefs, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and scenes from the deceased's life and journey to the afterlife. The tombs relied on the principles of ancient Egyptian architecture and ancient Egyptian art which can seen by their incredible beauty and precision. These paintings depicted gods, goddesses, funerary rituals, and scenes from the deceased's life. The decoration was believed to help the deceased navigate the afterlife and receive the necessary offerings and prayers.
The Egyptians believed that even after death, the deceased would require ancient Egyptian food, drink, and other necessities during their time in the afterlife, and it was the responsibility of the living to provide for their departed loved ones. Many tombs and temples offered chapels which were the loved ones of all the family members and priests made all the needed offerings.
The ancient Egyptians would include model offerings like model kitchens, granaries, breweries, and even entire farms that provided a symbolic representation of their daily life. The tombs were filled with a number of great funerary items related to clothing plus ancient Egyptian furniture, jewelry, cosmetics, and even weapons to contribute to their status and comfort.
The Ushabti Figures of "servant statues" were inscribed with a number of magical spells which were placed in the tombs to perform any labor that was required by the deceased in the ancient Egyptian afterlife.
All the rituals mourning the dead were always part of Egyptian culture and history as proven by all the inscriptions mourning the death of family members mentioning how they miss that person and how they hope to see them once again. There were also some texts which showcased one’s wish to die for the purpose of ending once present suffering in life, but not to exchange their mortal existence with eternal paradise.
All the Burial rituals of ancient Egypt were complex and highly ritualized which completely reflected the Egyptians' beliefs about death, the afterlife, and the journey of the deceased soul. These rituals were intended to ensure the deceased's successful transition to the afterlife and provide them with all necessary preparations, provisions, and protection. Some of the rituals included the Opening of the Mouth Ceremony, mummification, offerings, and prayers.
After the burial; the tomb is sealed with a number of intricate paintings, inscriptions, and scenes from the deceased's life and religious rituals which were made to protect the deceased. After the burial, family members and priests would continue to perform regular rituals and offerings at the tomb. Prayers and burial rituals were conducted to invoke the protection and favor of the gods & goddesses of ancient Egypt and ensure a successful journey to the afterlife. These rituals were meant to maintain a connection with the deceased, provide ongoing support in the afterlife, and ensure that the offerings were renewed.
The Book of the Dead was considered to be a marvelous instructional manual for being the ultimate gate to the afterlife where how the soul goes after death. The Book of the Dead will offer all the means to lead to the field of the reeds.
Book of the Dead " Book of Coming Forth by Day " is an ancient Egyptian funerary text that was used from the New Kingdom period (1550 BCE) until the Ptolemaic period (30 BCE). It is a collection of religious and magical spells and instructions plus tales like the Osiris myth that were intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife and ensure their successful journey to the realm of the gods.
It was believed that the knowledge and spells contained within the book would assist the deceased in overcoming the various challenges and dangers they would encounter in the afterlife, such as judgment by the gods and navigating the treacherous mythical underworld. The text includes a variety of incredible spells and rituals, ranging from prayers and hymns to instructions for the proper needed behavior and offerings to be made in the afterlife.
It contains vivid descriptions of the afterlife and the various realms and beings that the deceased would encounter. The Book of the Dead also reflects the complex religious beliefs of ancient Egyptians, including their concepts of the soul, the afterlife, and the importance of rituals and offerings. One of the most important pages in the page is the full description of the judgment process that takes place in the hall of truth under the guidance of Osiris, Anubis, and Maat.
The ancient Egyptian civilization was truly obsessed with living life entirely to the fullest and also had a keen attraction to the overall concept of death, rebirth, and resurrection. Death for the ancient Egyptians was a continuation of life. In the new kingdom, the ancient Egyptians had a love song called Songs of the Orchard which stated that everyone was expected to make the most of their time, love life, embrace it, and enjoy themselves to the fullest as they truly felt as if they were living a perfect world.
Eternal life was an extension of their mortal life where every single day was an epic experience of divine transcendence and gratitude. Death was considered the beginning of an eternal quest where the glamour of the body fades and the soul begins to lead to the afterlife leading to the eternal lands of the fields of reeds where their lives will continue in any shape they see fit.
Explore more amazing facts about the rituals, beliefs, and customs of the religion of the ancient Egyptians.
Read MoreDeath in ancient Egypt is an overwhelming concept that drove the society of the ancient Egyptians into a state of completion, progress, and harmony for hundreds of years. The ancient Egyptians were able to find the ideal balance between death and life as they understood that everything was connected.
Death was nothing more than just a door to a bigger dimension filled with absolute perfection where the festival of life will continue in the way every good soul desires. Everyone will explore the hidden meaning behind the death of ancient Egypt plus open the door to enjoy one of our epic Egypt vacations and a marvelous Nile cruise.
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The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.
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