How did the ancient Egyptians view death and the afterlife?

The ancient Egyptians viewed death as a transition of the soul from the earthly plane to the next realm. Life was understood as an eternal journey, only part of which was lived on earth.

What is the afterlife called in ancient Egypt?

The afterlife in ancient Egypt was known as the Field of Reeds and was understood as a mirror image of one's life on earth where one would live in the presence of the gods.

Who was the Judge of the Dead in ancient Egypt?

The god Osiris was the Judge of the Dead in ancient Egypt.

What is the Egyptian Book of the Dead?

The Egyptian Book of the Dead is an instruction manual for the soul after death to help it navigate the afterlife and find its way to the paradise of the Field of Reeds. It is not in any way the "Egyptian Bible."

A Gallery of Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt (Image Gallery) p. 3

Image Gallery

by Joshua J. Mark
published on 26 July 2024

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Anubis, Thoth, & Horus

by Mark Cartwright
published on 24 January 2016

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Anubis, Thoth, & Horus — View Full-Size Image

Wooden figures of the Egyptian gods Anubis (jackal), Thoth (ibis), and Horus (falcon). Holes in their bases suggest they were carried on poles as standards for use during funeral processions. Ptolemaic Period, 3rd-2nd century BCE. (Egyptian Museum, Turin)

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Questions & Answers

How did the ancient Egyptians view death and the afterlife?: The ancient Egyptians viewed death as a transition of the soul from the earthly plane to the next realm. Life was understood as an eternal journey, only part of which was lived on earth.
What is the afterlife called in ancient Egypt?: The afterlife in ancient Egypt was known as the Field of Reeds and was understood as a mirror image of one's life on earth where one would live in the presence of the gods.
Who was the Judge of the Dead in ancient Egypt?: The god Osiris was the Judge of the Dead in ancient Egypt.
What is the Egyptian Book of the Dead?: The Egyptian Book of the Dead is an instruction manual for the soul after death to help it navigate the afterlife and find its way to the paradise of the Field of Reeds. It is not in any way the "Egyptian Bible."

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External Links

Preparation for Death in Ancient Egypt - The Australian Museum

australian.museum

LIFE AND DEATH IN ANCIENT EGYPT | Ashmolean Museum

ashmolean.org

Journey to the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt: British Museum

britishmuseum.org

Egyptian Death and Afterlife: Mummies - British Museum

britishmuseum.org

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