How did the ancient Egyptians view death and the afterlife?

The ancient Egyptians believed in a complex and intricate afterlife that was tied to their religious beliefs. Death was viewed as a journey to the afterlife, where the soul would be judged based on the actions of the person in life. The Egyptians believed that the afterlife was eternal, and that the soul would continue to exist in the afterlife in much the same way as it did in life.

To ensure a smooth journey to the afterlife, the ancient Egyptians developed elaborate funeral rites and burial practices. These practices included the preservation of the body through mummification, the placement of valuable possessions and funerary goods in the tomb, and the recitation of spells and incantations to protect the deceased and help guide their soul to the afterlife.

One of the most important concepts in ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife was the idea of Ma'at, which represented balance, harmony, and order. The ancient Egyptians believed that living a virtuous life and maintaining Ma'at was crucial for a successful journey to the afterlife. Additionally, the god Osiris played a central role in ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife. Osiris was seen as the god of the dead, and his own death and resurrection served as a model for the journey of the deceased through the afterlife.

Ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife were closely tied to their religious beliefs, and played a significant role in shaping Egyptian culture and society. These beliefs were also reflected in art and literature, such as the Book of the Dead, which contained spells and incantations to guide the soul through the afterlife.