Many myths and falsehoods concerning the Egyptian practice of mummification have been promoted to the general public in movies, television shows, and documentaries. While these offerings are entertaining and fascinating to watch, the purposes and details regarding the ancient preparation of the dead were quite complex, technically and culturally. Mummification was not merely done to protect the deceased body from decay and decomposition; rather, most ancient Egyptians practiced it—both the rich and the poor—to ensure a successful passage into the next life. Mummification was much more elaborate and far more of a regular, integral part of common Egyptian life than popular culture typically presents.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://www.worldhistory.org/article/914/cultural--theological-background-of-mummification/.
Join the Conversation
- Why do you think mummification was so important to ancient Egyptians?
- How did the Egyptian desert shape their beliefs about life after death?
- Do you think the Osiris story helped ordinary people feel better about death, and why?
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