Cameron Middle School Libguides: Ms. VanRoon's Ancient Egypt Summative Options 1-3

Mummification Process

Ancient Egyptians mummified the dead because they believed the soul lived within the body even after death, so they meticulously preserved bodies to keep the spirit in tact.

Along with the mummies and sarcophagi on display in Inside Ancient Egypt are dioramas that depict the 70-day process, an extensive ritual that required both spiritual and biological knowledge.

The process began by removing all internal organs that might decay rapidly—all but the heart, which was thought to house the soul. Using a salt called natron, embalmers dried out the body completely.

Then the body was wrapped in strips of linen. Sometimes embalmers would write prayers on the linen strips or include amulets within the wrappings to protect the dead along their journey.

After this delicate preservation process, the mummy was ready for the ceremonial burial that would usher its former host to the afterlife.

The Field Museum

What were the pyramids?

Let's Visit Some Egyptian Sites -- BBC Bitesize

Who were the gods?

• The ancient Egyptians had many gods and goddesses.
• Some gods were stars, others were humans and animals.
• The gods stood for things like weather, fire and death, that were part of life.
• People believed the Pharaohs were picked by the gods.
• When the Romans took over Egypt, people became Christian and beliefs in the old gods died out.

BBC Bitesize

Egyptian Picture Writing