![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be5ee8becc1.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be5f226538f.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be5f6774949.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf1c152b26d.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf1915053ab.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf19809f358.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf15c1e263e.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf1652e30fe.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be60e8ecfda.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be61685460e.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf168dadba8.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be6105a8b3a.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf238859cd5.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be6209b9828.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be628d5d02c.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf20ea180bf.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf2296e542d.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be5fe740a99.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf1d68e9206.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf1bb16ebb5.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf1cd8b4e02.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf19e5c79d0.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf1a896c8fc.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf2207178a9.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be5fe98d0ce.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be5fe832abc.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5ca4a6d41dbef.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66bf1e3965e2b.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be5fecc98d5.jpg)
![How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66be5fe8180fb.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
Provisions for the afterlife
- To achieve a successful afterlife, the ancient Egyptians believed that certain provisions were necessary, such as preserving the body through mummification, stocking the tomb with essentials, and sometimes including animal companions, which they believed would be useful in the afterlife.
© Getty Images
1 / 30 Fotos
Mummification
- The mummification process was crucial to ensure that the body remained intact for the afterlife. This involved various methods depending on one's wealth, from simple washing for the poor to complex procedures for the wealthy, all of which ensured the body was preserved in a lifelike state.
© Getty Images
2 / 30 Fotos
Royalty
- For the wealthy and royal, the mummification process during the New Kingdom (1539–1075 BCE) took about 70 days. It involved washing, purifying, draining blood, removing organs, and drying the body using natron, a special salt.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
The heart
- The heart was the only organ left inside the body because the Egyptians believed it was the center of a person's being. All other organs were removed and stored in special jars, while the brain was discarded, as it was deemed unimportant.
© Getty Images
4 / 30 Fotos
Final touches
- The dried body was padded with cloth strips to maintain a lifelike appearance, and makeup was applied. Once fully dried and treated with oils and resin, the body was wrapped in linen, making it ready for the tomb.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Tombs
- Tombs of the elite were often prepared long before death, designed to serve as gateways to the afterlife. They were stocked with food, wine, clothing, furniture, and other essentials.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
Animal mummies
- Animal mummies (including pets and sacred animals) were also placed in tombs. These animals were believed to provide companionship in the afterlife, serve as eternal food, carry prayers to the gods, or represent deities.
© Getty Images
7 / 30 Fotos
Judgment
- Despite all these preparations, Egyptians believed that eternal life was not guaranteed. The deceased had to undergo judgment in the underworld, where their actions in life were assessed to determine if they were worthy of eternal life.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
Ka and ba
- The Egyptians believed in the ka (life force) and the ba (soul), with the ka leaving the body at death and the ba remaining until burial. The ba would then journey through the underworld, guided by spells and amulets to reach the halls of judgment.
© Getty Images
9 / 30 Fotos
The underworld
- In the underworld, the god Horus (depicted with a falcon's head) guided the ba through dangers such as doorways of fire and cobras, leading the deceased to face judgment. This journey was fraught with trials that tested the soul's purity.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
Anubis
- The actual judgment ritual was overseen by Anubis, the jackal-headed god of embalming and the afterlife. The deceased's heart was weighed against a feather (the symbol of truth and cosmic harmony) to determine if the person had lived a righteous life.
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
The Negative Confession
- The Negative Confession was a crucial part of the judgment process, where the deceased had to bow before the goddess Ma’at and deny committing various sins, such as theft, murder, and causing harm to others. This was their final chance to prove their worthiness for eternal life.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Osiris and the other gods
- Osiris (the king of the underworld, pictured left), along with other gods, served as judge during this trial. If the heart was heavier than the feather (which indicated a sinful life), the soul was condemned to eternal damnation, devoured by the monstrous goddess Ammut.
© Getty Images
13 / 30 Fotos
Ammut
- The goddess Ammut (a fearsome creature with the parts of a lion, crocodile, and hippopotamus) would consume the unworthy soul, thus ending any hope of an afterlife.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
Reuniting
- If the heart balanced with the feather, the ka and ba would reunite, forming the akh, the immortal spirit. This transformation allowed the deceased to enter the Field of Reeds, a paradise ruled by the god Osiris (pictured).
© Public Domain
15 / 30 Fotos
The Field of Reeds
- The Field of Reeds was depicted as a utopian land with beautiful mountains and rivers, where the deceased would be reunited with loved ones and pets. This idyllic vision was the culmination of the Egyptians' quest for eternal life and happiness.
© Public Domain
16 / 30 Fotos
Evolution
- The concept of mummification evolved over centuries, with techniques becoming more sophisticated as the Egyptians refined their understanding of how to preserve the body. This evolution was driven by their desire to perfect the process of securing eternal life.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
The heart in culture
- The Egyptians' strongly believed that the heart was the seat of the soul, and this belief influenced many of their practices, including the preservation of the heart during mummification and its role in the judgment process.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Tombs as gateways
- The elaborate tombs of the elite were often richly decorated and filled with treasures. Unlike other religions, these tombs were not just places of rest but gateways to a new, eternal life.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Art and literature
- The journey through the underworld was depicted by the ancient Egyptians in various forms of art, literature, and religious texts. These depictions served as guides for the deceased and helped them navigate the afterlife.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Osiris and Anubis
- The role of the gods in the afterlife (particularly Osiris and Anubis) was central to the Egyptians' beliefs. These deities were seen as protectors and judges, ensuring that only the righteous could attain eternal life, while the unworthy were punished.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
Protective spells and amulets
- The use of spells, amulets, and tomb paintings was intended to protect and guide the deceased through the dangers of the underworld. They were believed to have magical properties that could assist in overcoming obstacles and reaching the afterlife.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Universal aspiration
- The concept of eternal life was not limited to the elite; it was a universal aspiration for all Egyptians. This belief system provided comfort and hope, helping them navigate the challenges of life with the assurance that death was not the end.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Coping mechanism
- The Egyptians' focus on the afterlife was not just a reflection of their religious beliefs but also a way to cope with the uncertainties of life and death. By preparing for the afterlife, they sought to exert control over their destiny and ensure a positive outcome.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Social inequality
- The practice of mummification and the elaborate rituals associated with it were reserved for those who could afford them, which simply highlights the social inequalities that existed in ancient Egypt. But even the poor sought ways to secure their place in the afterlife; just using far simpler methods.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Architectural wonders - The tombs of the pharaohs, such as the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, are some of the most famous examples of Egyptian architecture. While these structures were designed to protect the deceased and ensure their successful journey to the afterlife, the modern world now views them as architectural wonders of an ancient time.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
The cycle of life
- The Egyptians' belief in the interconnectedness of life, death, and the afterlife influenced their interactions with the natural world. They saw life as part of a larger cycle, and death was nothing more than a transition to a new existence rather than an end.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Never the end
- For the ancient Egyptians, death did not signify a complete departure. The dead could also spiritually reenter the world of the living to partake in its pleasures, enjoying offerings of food and the attention of servants.
© Getty Images
28 / 30 Fotos
Enduring legacy
- The legacy of the ancient Egyptians' beliefs about death and the afterlife continues to influence modern culture. Their practices and concepts have been studied and admired for centuries, offering insights into one of the world's most fascinating civilizations. Sources: (National Geographic) (History Today) (Britannica) (World History Encyclopedia) See also: Rediscover Tutankhamun, ancient Egypt's most famous pharaoh
© Getty Images
29 / 30 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
Provisions for the afterlife
- To achieve a successful afterlife, the ancient Egyptians believed that certain provisions were necessary, such as preserving the body through mummification, stocking the tomb with essentials, and sometimes including animal companions, which they believed would be useful in the afterlife.
© Getty Images
1 / 30 Fotos
Mummification
- The mummification process was crucial to ensure that the body remained intact for the afterlife. This involved various methods depending on one's wealth, from simple washing for the poor to complex procedures for the wealthy, all of which ensured the body was preserved in a lifelike state.
© Getty Images
2 / 30 Fotos
Royalty
- For the wealthy and royal, the mummification process during the New Kingdom (1539–1075 BCE) took about 70 days. It involved washing, purifying, draining blood, removing organs, and drying the body using natron, a special salt.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
The heart
- The heart was the only organ left inside the body because the Egyptians believed it was the center of a person's being. All other organs were removed and stored in special jars, while the brain was discarded, as it was deemed unimportant.
© Getty Images
4 / 30 Fotos
Final touches
- The dried body was padded with cloth strips to maintain a lifelike appearance, and makeup was applied. Once fully dried and treated with oils and resin, the body was wrapped in linen, making it ready for the tomb.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Tombs
- Tombs of the elite were often prepared long before death, designed to serve as gateways to the afterlife. They were stocked with food, wine, clothing, furniture, and other essentials.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
Animal mummies
- Animal mummies (including pets and sacred animals) were also placed in tombs. These animals were believed to provide companionship in the afterlife, serve as eternal food, carry prayers to the gods, or represent deities.
© Getty Images
7 / 30 Fotos
Judgment
- Despite all these preparations, Egyptians believed that eternal life was not guaranteed. The deceased had to undergo judgment in the underworld, where their actions in life were assessed to determine if they were worthy of eternal life.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
Ka and ba
- The Egyptians believed in the ka (life force) and the ba (soul), with the ka leaving the body at death and the ba remaining until burial. The ba would then journey through the underworld, guided by spells and amulets to reach the halls of judgment.
© Getty Images
9 / 30 Fotos
The underworld
- In the underworld, the god Horus (depicted with a falcon's head) guided the ba through dangers such as doorways of fire and cobras, leading the deceased to face judgment. This journey was fraught with trials that tested the soul's purity.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
Anubis
- The actual judgment ritual was overseen by Anubis, the jackal-headed god of embalming and the afterlife. The deceased's heart was weighed against a feather (the symbol of truth and cosmic harmony) to determine if the person had lived a righteous life.
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
The Negative Confession
- The Negative Confession was a crucial part of the judgment process, where the deceased had to bow before the goddess Ma’at and deny committing various sins, such as theft, murder, and causing harm to others. This was their final chance to prove their worthiness for eternal life.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Osiris and the other gods
- Osiris (the king of the underworld, pictured left), along with other gods, served as judge during this trial. If the heart was heavier than the feather (which indicated a sinful life), the soul was condemned to eternal damnation, devoured by the monstrous goddess Ammut.
© Getty Images
13 / 30 Fotos
Ammut
- The goddess Ammut (a fearsome creature with the parts of a lion, crocodile, and hippopotamus) would consume the unworthy soul, thus ending any hope of an afterlife.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
Reuniting
- If the heart balanced with the feather, the ka and ba would reunite, forming the akh, the immortal spirit. This transformation allowed the deceased to enter the Field of Reeds, a paradise ruled by the god Osiris (pictured).
© Public Domain
15 / 30 Fotos
The Field of Reeds
- The Field of Reeds was depicted as a utopian land with beautiful mountains and rivers, where the deceased would be reunited with loved ones and pets. This idyllic vision was the culmination of the Egyptians' quest for eternal life and happiness.
© Public Domain
16 / 30 Fotos
Evolution
- The concept of mummification evolved over centuries, with techniques becoming more sophisticated as the Egyptians refined their understanding of how to preserve the body. This evolution was driven by their desire to perfect the process of securing eternal life.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
The heart in culture
- The Egyptians' strongly believed that the heart was the seat of the soul, and this belief influenced many of their practices, including the preservation of the heart during mummification and its role in the judgment process.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Tombs as gateways
- The elaborate tombs of the elite were often richly decorated and filled with treasures. Unlike other religions, these tombs were not just places of rest but gateways to a new, eternal life.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Art and literature
- The journey through the underworld was depicted by the ancient Egyptians in various forms of art, literature, and religious texts. These depictions served as guides for the deceased and helped them navigate the afterlife.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Osiris and Anubis
- The role of the gods in the afterlife (particularly Osiris and Anubis) was central to the Egyptians' beliefs. These deities were seen as protectors and judges, ensuring that only the righteous could attain eternal life, while the unworthy were punished.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
Protective spells and amulets
- The use of spells, amulets, and tomb paintings was intended to protect and guide the deceased through the dangers of the underworld. They were believed to have magical properties that could assist in overcoming obstacles and reaching the afterlife.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Universal aspiration
- The concept of eternal life was not limited to the elite; it was a universal aspiration for all Egyptians. This belief system provided comfort and hope, helping them navigate the challenges of life with the assurance that death was not the end.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Coping mechanism
- The Egyptians' focus on the afterlife was not just a reflection of their religious beliefs but also a way to cope with the uncertainties of life and death. By preparing for the afterlife, they sought to exert control over their destiny and ensure a positive outcome.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Social inequality
- The practice of mummification and the elaborate rituals associated with it were reserved for those who could afford them, which simply highlights the social inequalities that existed in ancient Egypt. But even the poor sought ways to secure their place in the afterlife; just using far simpler methods.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Architectural wonders - The tombs of the pharaohs, such as the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, are some of the most famous examples of Egyptian architecture. While these structures were designed to protect the deceased and ensure their successful journey to the afterlife, the modern world now views them as architectural wonders of an ancient time.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
The cycle of life
- The Egyptians' belief in the interconnectedness of life, death, and the afterlife influenced their interactions with the natural world. They saw life as part of a larger cycle, and death was nothing more than a transition to a new existence rather than an end.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Never the end
- For the ancient Egyptians, death did not signify a complete departure. The dead could also spiritually reenter the world of the living to partake in its pleasures, enjoying offerings of food and the attention of servants.
© Getty Images
28 / 30 Fotos
Enduring legacy
- The legacy of the ancient Egyptians' beliefs about death and the afterlife continues to influence modern culture. Their practices and concepts have been studied and admired for centuries, offering insights into one of the world's most fascinating civilizations. Sources: (National Geographic) (History Today) (Britannica) (World History Encyclopedia) See also: Rediscover Tutankhamun, ancient Egypt's most famous pharaoh
© Getty Images
29 / 30 Fotos
How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life
The preparation for the afterlife began long before death
© Getty Images
No religion on Earth has ever been able to avoid speaking about death, but while many have merely concerned themselves with the general topic, the ancient Egyptians built their entire faith around it. Priests proclaimed that worldly life was nothing more than a prelude to eternal existence beyond the grave, and so the Egyptians lived their lives to the fullest in expectation of what would come after.
But preparing for the afterlife was a difficulty unto itself, and certain provisions needed to be made. What steps did the ancient Egyptians take to guarantee life ever after? Click through this gallery to find out.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![How to survive a natural disaster](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66c715649b2b3.jpg)
![Time-lapse of the future: what the universe will look like](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e2c9d1436ad.jpg)
![30 essential kitchen items every home cook needs](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e2c7858c6de.jpg)
![Terrific tidbits about turtles and tortoises](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e2bbc822696.jpg)
![Out of office: Countries with the most paid vacation days per year](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e05d4d92bb7.jpg)
![Famous mathematicians who changed the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e2c31b88e91.jpg)
![30 essential home repair tools for every DIYer](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e2a0971fdcd.jpg)
![Tricks to remove pet odors from your home](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e29e91af45f.jpg)
![The best supplements to take during menopause](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e1ce1323fc9.jpg)
![The pioneers who redefined sports history](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e079044b669.jpg)
![The top 30 most valuable brands of 2024](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d6f050a2e93.jpg)
![30 rules to teach your kids while they’re young](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66defb236e65d.jpg)
![Astronauts who have been in space the longest](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66df185033e6a.jpg)
![Is 'Monk Mode' the productivity hack between you and your goals?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e175790f3cf.jpg)
![Shocking moments from past political conventions](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e1730a1ad2c.jpg)
![Spiritual methods to attract more luck into your life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e16bf8e6496.jpg)
![The top 30 things you can accomplish in 30 minutes or less](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e1699ebc109.jpg)
![NASA reveals what happens if you fall into a black hole](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e165ae1d850.jpg)
![Things about 9/11 that still don't make sense](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e1635a587b1.jpg)
![How pit bulls got a bad reputation](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9cc5c4ac01.jpg)
![What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e1736ec2291.jpg)
![The far-reaching use of radar](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dd9cc6b3efb.jpg)
![The weirdest things these countries are the best at](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d97fc9a5c1e.jpg)
![The world's most famous stolen paintings](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e1604d4eaa8.jpg)
![How to clean your fridge like a pro](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e0808e15677.jpg)
![Bizarre ways ancient Greeks and Romans predicted the future](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66cf4adcc6d85.jpg)
![30 easy steps to save money every month](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e0562fd310c.jpg)
![30 animals with surprisingly human traits](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e02526e9f78.jpg)
![Why roller coaster loops aren’t circular](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d87042446f3.jpg)
![What you might not know about Democratic voters](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e051dc9fbae.jpg)
![What you might not know about Republican voters](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e050993d6fa.jpg)
![The most (and least) expensive countries in the EU](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66deceb8d4348.jpg)
![A parent's guide to raising emotionally intelligent children](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e0329ddb080.jpg)
![The secrets to networking for introverts](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e0283261d2e.jpg)
![Beyond basics: 30 interview questions that can help get you hired](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e02e5c6d72e.jpg)
![Common medical conditions in cats and dogs](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e02f87493d3.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week