EGYPT - Religion Gods and Godesses, Book of Dead, Spirit of Dead, Mummification, and the Afterlife

History The time known as “Ancient Egypt” lasted from around 3300 BC until it became an independent state in 1300 BC. During this time, there were about 9 dynasties or periods, in which different pharaohs ruled. The time known as “Ancient Egypt” lasted from around 3300 BC until it became an independent state in 1300 BC. During this time, there were about 9 dynasties or periods, in which different pharaohs ruled. During the Early Dynastic Period, the development of writing called hieroglyphics began. This period also began constructing large scale buildings and begun the trade line outside of the Nile valley. Another period that had a great impact on the Ancient Egyptian life, was the Old Kingdom. Historians have dated that this is when the art of embalming, or mummification began. During the Early Dynastic Period, the development of writing called hieroglyphics began. This period also began constructing large scale buildings and begun the trade line outside of the Nile valley. Another period that had a great impact on the Ancient Egyptian life, was the Old Kingdom. Historians have dated that this is when the art of embalming, or mummification began. The Middle Kingdom about 2055 BC, is most likely when military campaigns against foreign nations began. Around 2575 BC another great accomplishment was made by Pharaoh Khufu. His pyramid of Gaza, is now one of the most famous and greatest pyramids known. The fall of the Egyptian dynasty came around 527BC when Egypt fell under the rule of the Persians. The Middle Kingdom about 2055 BC, is most likely when military campaigns against foreign nations began. Around 2575 BC another great accomplishment was made by Pharaoh Khufu. His pyramid of Gaza, is now one of the most famous and greatest pyramids known. The fall of the Egyptian dynasty came around 527BC when Egypt fell under the rule of the Persians.

Mythology: The Birth of the World The mythology of Ancient Egypt centers around nature, the earth, sun, moon, sky, stars and the Nile River. According to legend, the Egyptian Empire began with the creation of Nu. Nu was a swirling watery chaos and then the waters began to subside, a land appeared. Atum is the God whom emerged from the Nu and is the creator of the world. This God is also know as the great scarab beetle. Atum gave birth to two children, Shu and Tefnut. Atum’s children represented the air and the rain. According to legend Atum then parted with his children and when they were reunited, his tears of joy created the men on the earth. The mythology of Ancient Egypt centers around nature, the earth, sun, moon, sky, stars and the Nile River. According to legend, the Egyptian Empire began with the creation of Nu. Nu was a swirling watery chaos and then the waters began to subside, a land appeared. Atum is the God whom emerged from the Nu and is the creator of the world. This God is also know as the great scarab beetle. Atum gave birth to two children, Shu and Tefnut. Atum’s children represented the air and the rain. According to legend Atum then parted with his children and when they were reunited, his tears of joy created the men on the earth.

Gods and Goddesses  Ancient Egyptians worship of 2000 different gods  Before Egypt was united their were 40 tribes all with different gods  After all the Gods were kept, meaning many gods had similar characteristics  Animals were considered the living images of the gods How Gods Dress  Tunic with suspenders.  Dress with suspenders.  The short loincloth  The short-sleeved overall  The full-length dress

Ra (re)  Sun God  Appearance: A man with the head of a Hawk wearing a sun disk headdress  He was the most important God  The ancient Egyptians believed that each night Ra was swallowed night by Nut, the sky goddess then reborn in the morning. Thoth  Appearance: A man with the head of an ibis holding a writing palette  Thoth was the go of Knowledge and writing  It was said that he gave the gift of hieroglyphics. Ma’at  Appearance: A Woman with a feather on top of her head  Ma'at was the goddess of truth, justice and harmony.  Ma’at was oftene associated with the balance of things on earth. Anubis  Appearance: A Man with the head of a jackal  Anubis was the god of embalming and the dead.  Jackals were often seen found in cemeteries, because of this it was believed that Anubis watched over the dead.

Horus  Appearance: Man with the head of a hawk  Horus was a god of the sky. He is the protector of the ruler of Egypt.  It was believed that the pharaoh was the 'living Horus'. Amun  Appearance: A Man with a ram-head wearing an ostrich feather hat  Amun was one of the most powerful gods in ancient Egypt.  At the height of Egyptian civilisation he was called the 'King of the Gods'. Osiris  Appearance: A mummified man who is wearing a white headdress with feathers  Osiris was the god of the dead, and ruler of the Underworld.  Osiris was also the god of vegetation (plant matter) that’s why he is green in appearance. Atum  Appearance: Man with the double crown  Atum was a creator god.  It was belived that Atum was the first god to exist on earth.

BOOK OF THE DEAD (reu nu pert em hru) In Egyptian called reu nu pert em hru which translates into "The Book of Coming forth by Day" In Egyptian called reu nu pert em hru which translates into "The Book of Coming forth by Day" Contains spells, charms, passwords and numbers to help secure an easy passage for the deceased into the after life Contains spells, charms, passwords and numbers to help secure an easy passage for the deceased into the after life Egyptians believed that knowledge of the appropriate spells was essential to achieving happiness in the next life Egyptians believed that knowledge of the appropriate spells was essential to achieving happiness in the next life first inscribed on the sarcophogaus of the deceased in 1600 BCE, then later written on papyrus paper first inscribed on the sarcophogaus of the deceased in 1600 BCE, then later written on papyrus paper there are many different versions of the Book of the Dead including: * Heliopolitan version which is known from five there are many different versions of the Book of the Dead including: * Heliopolitan version which is known from five copies inscribed in the tombs of Kings from the fifth dynasty and edited by priests of Annu copies inscribed in the tombs of Kings from the fifth dynasty and edited by priests of Annu * Theban version which is the most modern version written on papyrus paper and organized into chapters containing only hieroglyphics written on papyrus paper and organized into chapters containing only hieroglyphics * Saite version which is very strictly organized spell 125 is one of the most well known segments which is the judging of the soul done by Osiris and his 42 judges spell 125 is one of the most well known segments which is the judging of the soul done by Osiris and his 42 judges The weighing of the heart against Ma'at is considered one of the more important chapters The weighing of the heart against Ma'at is considered one of the more important chapters "Book of the Dead" meant to aid deceased in not dying a second time and becoming an akh "Book of the Dead" meant to aid deceased in not dying a second time and becoming an akh The book of dead inscribed on tomb   weighing of the heart against Ma'at’s Feather

SPIRIT OF THE DEAD Egyptians believe that each person is composed of three essential elements: ba (soul/personality), ka (life force), and the body in which the soul is kept Egyptians believe that each person is composed of three essential elements: ba (soul/personality), ka (life force), and the body in which the soul is kept Ka, ba and akh are believed to be immortal aspects of the soul thus remaining alive inside the body after death Ka, ba and akh are believed to be immortal aspects of the soul thus remaining alive inside the body after death In the Opening of the Mouth ceremony, the ba and ka are released into the next world In the Opening of the Mouth ceremony, the ba and ka are released into the next world Upon death, the ba and ka become separated from the body but remain alive Upon death, the ba and ka become separated from the body but remain alive Because the body of the deceased is mummified, the body must rely on the ba to seek out the ka Because the body of the deceased is mummified, the body must rely on the ba to seek out the ka During the night when Ra visits the underworld, the ba are allowed to freely roam but must always return to the underworld because that is where the body lies and the ba and body are part of the same being During the night when Ra visits the underworld, the ba are allowed to freely roam but must always return to the underworld because that is where the body lies and the ba and body are part of the same being If the ba is successful in reuniting itself with the ka, it becomes an akh If the ba is successful in reuniting itself with the ka, it becomes an akh If successful in becoming an akh, the akh inhabits the world after as it is believed by the Egyptians that three kinds of beings inhabit the world after death: gods, the dead (those who's ba and ka have not been united) and akhs If successful in becoming an akh, the akh inhabits the world after as it is believed by the Egyptians that three kinds of beings inhabit the world after death: gods, the dead (those who's ba and ka have not been united) and akhs Akhs are believed to be the "spirit of the dead" Akhs are believed to be the "spirit of the dead"  Ba Ka  Ba leaving the body 

Embalming The earliest Egyptians’ buried their dead in small pits where they would eventually dry out from the heat, leaving life-like mummies (Mummification). Many years later, people began placing the dead in coffins to protect them from the wildlife. This process proved to be unacceptable, as the body would decompose since it wasn’t exposed to the heat. As a result, the process of embalming began. The earliest Egyptians’ buried their dead in small pits where they would eventually dry out from the heat, leaving life-like mummies (Mummification). Many years later, people began placing the dead in coffins to protect them from the wildlife. This process proved to be unacceptable, as the body would decompose since it wasn’t exposed to the heat. As a result, the process of embalming began. The embalming process was a long and grotesque process in some cases. The first stage of the embalming process was to take the body to the “ibu” and wash it with good smelling palm wine and then wash it with water from the Nile River. Next, an incision was made to the left side of the body which allowed the embalmer to remove the internal organs (The Religion of Ancient Egypt). The only organ not taken out of the body was the heart, as it was the center of intelligence and feeling and, therefore, needed in the afterlife. The body was then stuffed and covered with natron, which allowed the body to dry out. After forty days, the body was then washed again. Once again the body was covered with oil after the embalmers restuffed the body. The body was then ready for wrapping. The embalming process was a long and grotesque process in some cases. The first stage of the embalming process was to take the body to the “ibu” and wash it with good smelling palm wine and then wash it with water from the Nile River. Next, an incision was made to the left side of the body which allowed the embalmer to remove the internal organs (The Religion of Ancient Egypt). The only organ not taken out of the body was the heart, as it was the center of intelligence and feeling and, therefore, needed in the afterlife. The body was then stuffed and covered with natron, which allowed the body to dry out. After forty days, the body was then washed again. Once again the body was covered with oil after the embalmers restuffed the body. The body was then ready for wrapping.

Mummification Embalming the Body Wash the body with good smelling palm wines and rinse with water from the Nile. Wash the body with good smelling palm wines and rinse with water from the Nile. Cut a slit in the left side of the body and remove internal organs the liver, stomach, lungs and intestines are placed in canopic jars. Cut a slit in the left side of the body and remove internal organs the liver, stomach, lungs and intestines are placed in canopic jars. imsety the human headed god holds the liver imsety the human headed god holds the liver hapy the baboon headed god holds the lungs hapy the baboon headed god holds the lungs duamutef the jackal headed god holds the stomach duamutef the jackal headed god holds the stomach qebehsenuef the falcon headed god holds the intestines qebehsenuef the falcon headed god holds the intestines A hook is then inserted up the nose to remove the brains the heart remains in the body because the Egyptians believed that your heart was the most important aspect of the human. A hook is then inserted up the nose to remove the brains the heart remains in the body because the Egyptians believed that your heart was the most important aspect of the human. the body is then covered and stuffed with which will help to dry out the body the body is then covered and stuffed with which will help to dry out the body The body is then placed in the desert for 40 days. After the 40 days the body is then washed again with Nile water the skin is the covered in oils. The body is then placed in the desert for 40 days. After the 40 days the body is then washed again with Nile water the skin is the covered in oils. Wrapping First the head and neck are wrapped with linen. The fingers and toes are wrapped individually. The arms and legs are wrapped separately from the body First the head and neck are wrapped with linen. The fingers and toes are wrapped individually. The arms and legs are wrapped separately from the body In the layers the embalmers place amulets to protect the body in the underworld. The 'isis knot' amulet protects the body and ' Plummet' represents personal balance In the layers the embalmers place amulets to protect the body in the underworld. The 'isis knot' amulet protects the body and ' Plummet' represents personal balance Priests read out spells while the mummy is being wrapped. Priests read out spells while the mummy is being wrapped. Papyrus scroll filled with spells from the book of the dead is wrapped in the mummies hands Papyrus scroll filled with spells from the book of the dead is wrapped in the mummies hands A cloth is then wrapped over the whole body and a painting of Osiris is Painted on top. A cloth is then wrapped over the whole body and a painting of Osiris is Painted on top. A funeral is then held for the dead person before the body is layered to rest they have a ritual called 'the opening of he mouth' this lets the dead person eat and drink one last time A funeral is then held for the dead person before the body is layered to rest they have a ritual called 'the opening of he mouth' this lets the dead person eat and drink one last time Canopic Jars 

The After Life Death is not seen as the last stage of life Death is not seen as the last stage of life Before the mummy can reach the underworld it has to pass through seven Before the mummy can reach the underworld it has to pass through seven gates, aided by the magic spells inscribed upon the funerary objects, then gates, aided by the magic spells inscribed upon the funerary objects, then the dead person arrives in the presence of Osiris (god of the underworld) the dead person arrives in the presence of Osiris (god of the underworld) Osiris then performs a ceremony called the 'weighing of the heart' Osiris then performs a ceremony called the 'weighing of the heart' Heart of the dead person is weighed on a scale by the jackal headed god Heart of the dead person is weighed on a scale by the jackal headed god Anubis (god of dead) against the feather of Ma'at (goddess of truth) Anubis (god of dead) against the feather of Ma'at (goddess of truth) Balancing the scale meant immortality Balancing the scale meant immortality If the scale did not balance then Amemt (crocodile headed god) would eat If the scale did not balance then Amemt (crocodile headed god) would eat the heart, and Seth, murderer of Osiris ate the rest of the body the heart, and Seth, murderer of Osiris ate the rest of the body

Cats: The Sacred Animal Although many cultures have had cats, the Ancient Egyptians were the first to domesticate and allow them in their homes. During the first years of the domesticated cat, these animals were most likely used to chase off rodents and snakes from the crops and homes of the Egyptians. Slowly however, these animals were eventually revered a God. People began placing cats on tombs and outside their homes to protect the inhabitants and ward off evil spirits. The first famous cat deity was Bastet (Watson). She was the goddess of fertility and was the protector of the children and cats. Sekhmet was Bastet’s counterpart and known as the goddess of war and pestilence. Together the two maintained balance of nature. Although many cultures have had cats, the Ancient Egyptians were the first to domesticate and allow them in their homes. During the first years of the domesticated cat, these animals were most likely used to chase off rodents and snakes from the crops and homes of the Egyptians. Slowly however, these animals were eventually revered a God. People began placing cats on tombs and outside their homes to protect the inhabitants and ward off evil spirits. The first famous cat deity was Bastet (Watson). She was the goddess of fertility and was the protector of the children and cats. Sekhmet was Bastet’s counterpart and known as the goddess of war and pestilence. Together the two maintained balance of nature. Cats were so highly recognized that they were often waited on and when they died, they were mummified just as a person would be. The mummified corpse would then be offered to Bastet. After the death of the animal, the owner would go into deep mourning and even shaved their eyebrows to show their great los. Cats were so highly recognized that they were often waited on and when they died, they were mummified just as a person would be. The mummified corpse would then be offered to Bastet. After the death of the animal, the owner would go into deep mourning and even shaved their eyebrows to show their great los. Laws also protected the cat. Suppose a human killed a cat, whether intentional or not, that human was sentenced to death. The cat definitely held a powerful spot in Ancient Egyptian history. Laws also protected the cat. Suppose a human killed a cat, whether intentional or not, that human was sentenced to death. The cat definitely held a powerful spot in Ancient Egyptian history.

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