What were the major beliefs about death and the afterlife in Ancient Egypt?

History Ancient Egypt Questions



63 Short 76 Medium 39 Long Answer Questions Question Index

What were the major beliefs about death and the afterlife in Ancient Egypt?

The major beliefs about death and the afterlife in Ancient Egypt revolved around the concept of the soul's journey to the afterlife. Egyptians believed in the existence of an afterlife and that death was just a transition to another realm. They believed that the soul, or ka, needed to be preserved and reunited with the body in order to continue its existence in the afterlife. To ensure this, they practiced mummification and burial rituals. They also believed in the judgment of the soul by the god Osiris, where the heart of the deceased was weighed against the feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice. If the heart was found to be pure, the soul would be granted eternal life in the Field of Reeds. Additionally, Egyptians believed in the importance of providing for the deceased in the afterlife, which led to the construction of elaborate tombs, such as the pyramids, and the inclusion of grave goods and offerings.