The Secrets of Ancient Egypt!

Mummies and AfterlifePresented by Megan

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Mummies

What are mummies?

Mummies are preserved corpse, they are wrapped in bandages to stop them from decomposing (rotting), which is how we see them today ,in their physical form.

How are mummies made?

1. Firstly, they wash the dead body in palm wine and Nile water

2. Second, they take it to the wabet (wab-et)3. Then they remove the brain ,by sticking a hook

in the nose and pulling it out4. They turned the body on its side, so the brain

fluid could drip out of the nose.5. They put resin into the brain to stop the skull

from collapsing6. They cut the body to take out the lungs,

intestines, stomach and liver7. They put them into alabaster canopic jars 

which would be buried with the mummy

How are mummies made?(page2)

8. They left the heart in the corpse, as it would be needed on the journey to the afterlife

9. The body was packed with natron which absorbs moisture

10. The body was washed in water again11.The body was smothered in oil, incense, spice

and herbs12. The body cavity was filled with oil-soaked linen

and sewn together.13. The body was covered in linen and bandages

were used to bind the extremities14. Amulets and magical spells were put inside

the bandages to help in the afterlife. 

Who could be a mummy?

Only Egyptians who could afford to be mummified, were mummies. If you couldn't afford it, unfortunately you were buried in the sand and could not go to the afterlife. 

Afterlife

What is the afterlife?

An ancient Egyptian's main goal in life was to get to the afterlife! But the journey was not easy. You had to travel through the netherworld - the world of the dead.

The Journey

The journey officially started at the funeral, when the dead person's spirit - their 'Ba' moved from the world of the living to the world of the dead.  The netherworld had rivers, mountains, caves and gates guarded by gods. While looking at the beautiful scenery, you had to avoid disaster. Neverthe- -less, spells could help you dodge the danger.

Judgement Day

In the judgement hall, the dead person's heart was weighed against the feather of truth to see if it was pure. If your heart was heavier than the feather, it was heavy with lies and would be eaten by the devourer and you ceased to exist FOREVER! But, if your heart was lighter, you would be through to the afterlife. There are several possible afterlives - you might travel with the god Ra on his boat across sky, or you might go to the field of reeds, where there was plenty to do.

What is the Devourer?

The Devourer is a demon with a crocodile head, a leopards front legs and the back legs of a hippo. The Devourer was also called 'Great of Death' or 'Eater of Hearts'.

Thank You for listening