Priests
Like most religious leaders throughout history, the priests of ancient Egypt were a powerful, well respected group in society.
Religion was a large part of ancient Egyptian life, and the priests were in charge of temples and religious rituals and important ceremonies.
Religion was a large part of ancient Egyptian life, and the priests were in charge of temples and religious rituals and important ceremonies.
Religion in Ancient Eqypt
Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death. The priests were in charge of embalming the bodies so they didn't decay. This process had many steps, including removing all the organs except the heart. The organs were put into jars and the body was dried out with salt. After 70 days the body was washed, oiled, and wrapped in linen. The bodies were then decorated with jewels and charms and put into a sarcophagus for burial.
The High Priest advised the pharaoh and oversaw all religious ceremonies, while temple priests were responsible for the smaller temples in Egypt. Since each temple was believed to be the home of a different god, they had to take care of the god that lived in the statue of the temple. Other priests gave advise and healings for common issues.
The Afterlife
The video below talks about the process of embalming and burying the dead. Before you watch it, think about what you know has been found in the tombs of ancient Egypt.
As you watch, list items included in or parts of the burial procedures that you did not know before.
Heading for the Egyptain afterlife?
Plan your trip to the ancient Egyptian afterlife with help from the Museum of Science! With a certain number of credits, you can pick your tomb, your embalming process, your case, and which artifacts you want to bring with you! Click here!
Did you learn anything new about the burial process?
Reflections
Pharaohs and noblemen were buried with so many items (such as food, water, furniture, and even a boat for some pharaohs) to prepare for the afterlife. If you lived in ancient Egypt, which things would you want to be buried with and why?
