Religion in Ancient EgyptThe ancient Egyptians were polytheistic, believing in over 2000 deities. They believed that occurrences in nature were caused directly by the gods and goddesses they worshiped and that it was extremely important to show the deities how grateful they were for the "blessings" they caused. The ancient Egyptians credit the gods and goddesses for causing the annual flooding of the Nile, which gives them the ability to grow a rich harvest and also use mud to make bricks for houses and pyramids.
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MummificationMummification is a well-known process used by the ancient Egyptians to preserve bodies after they have passed away. The Egyptians believed that when the soul returned, it was important that they still have their body and possessions. Mummification takes 70 days to accomplish, the steps are as followed:
1. Pull brain out of nose using a hook 2. Make a cut on the left side of the body near the stomach 3. Remove all internal organs 4. Let internal organs dry 5. Place the lungs, intestines, stomach and liver inside canopic jars (as seen above) 6. Place the heart back inside of the body 7. Rinse inside of body with wine and spices 8. Cover the corpse with natron (salt) for 70 days 9. After 40 days stuff the body with linen or sand to give it a more human shape 10. After the 70 days, wrap the body from head to toe in bandages 11. Place in a sarcophagus The heart was left in the body so it would be there when the soul returned to Earth. The Ancient Egyptians did not think the brain was important enough to be left in the body. The people who performed the task of mummifying a body were specialized workers as it took much skill to be able to preserve a body so well. |
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Pharaohs were very important not only because they were rulers, but because they were also seen as gods themselves. The term "pharaoh" means "great house". During their lives, Pharaohs keep their hair covered by a cobra headdress, which was believed to spit flames at their enemies. When a Pharaoh died, he was buried with his treasures surrounding him so that when he came back form the dead, as they believed everyone did, he would still have all his riches.