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How did ancient Egyptians prepare for the afterlife?
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ancient Egyptian religion
Isis nursing Horus, calcite and bronze sculpture from Egypt, c. 712–525 bce; in the Brooklyn Museum, New York.
Ancient Egyptians meticulously prepared for the afterlife, believing it was a continuation of earthly existence. Central to this preparation was mummification, a process of preserving the body to ensure the deceased could live in the next world. Elaborate tombs were constructed and adorned with prayers and offerings.123
To navigate the perilous journey through the underworld and pass the judgment presided over by Osiris, the deceased required magical and moral power. This was facilitated by equipping them with spells, amulets, and declarations of innocence, often found in texts like the Book of the Dead. The ultimate goal was to achieve immortality by identifying with Osiris or the sun god.34