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. 43

Image Gallery

by Joshua J. Mark
published on 26 July 2024

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Coffin Decorated with the Book of Two Ways

by The Trustees of the British Museum
published on 08 March 2017

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Coffin Decorated with the Book of Two Ways — View Full-Size Image

Rectangular wooden inner coffin of Sen, dating to c. 1850 BCE. The coffin sides are inscribed in ink with religious writings now known as the Coffin Texts. On the floor of the coffin is a composition called the 'Book of Two Ways,' a guide to the afterlife in which paths and watercourses are marked out for the deceased.

The British Museum, London.

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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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© Trustees of the British Museum. Republished under the British Museum Standard Terms of Use for non-profit educational purposes. Original image by The Trustees of the British Museum. Uploaded by Ibolya Horváth, published on 08 March 2017. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Copyright. You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.