Religion of Ancient Egypt

1. Religion of Ancient Egypt

2. Objectives • Evaluate how religion shaped Egyptian life (emphasis on the afterlife.) • Discuss Ancient Egyptian burial practices as it relates to religion.

3. Emphasis on the Afterlife • Much of Egyptian religion focused on the afterlife, or life after death. • The belief in the afterlife stemmed from their idea of Ka, or a person’s life force. • When a person died, his or her ka left the body and became a spirit.

4. The Afterlife • The Ka, however, remained linked to the body and could not leave its burial site • Tombs were filled with personal items to fulfill the Ka’sneeds

5. Egyptian Burial Practices • The afterlife also shaped their burial practices • Body had to be prepared for the afterlife • If the body decayed, it was believed that the Ka would not be able to recognize it

6. Mummification Process • Specially treated bodies wrapped in cloth • Complex process, took several weeks • Washed, organs removed, packed with a salt called natron, sawdust, and resin

7. Mummification Process • Body was then wrapped in bandages with jewelry and amulets between layers • A portrait mask was then placed over the head • Finally laid to rest inside a coffin • Reserved for royalty

8. Burial Tombs • The coffin was placed inside a tomb • Works of art along with personal items were included • It was believed that these items would be used in the afterlife • Egyptian boat-was believed to help the pharaoh travel to a new life