Ancient Egyptian Burials and Funerary Architecture

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how ancient civilizations viewed death. It focuses on the ancient Egyptians and their burial and funerary customs. The writer discusses their beliefs about death and the transition to the afterlife. Since death was such an important transition, the paper describes the extensive preparations that were ritualistically adhered to by the ancient people for their kings and royalty. The elaborate architecture of the mausoleums and burial chambers created for the dead is also discussed.

From the Paper:

"The planning and designing of these tombs were very complex. In order to protect the pharaoh after death, the Egyptians toiled for years and even decades building pyramids with mazes and secret doors that sometimes led to dead-end passages (Pyramids). The pharaoh's coffin and actual resting place was near the bottom or underground. The elaborate tomb contained many of the pharaoh's personal items, such as furniture, jewelry, statues, pottery, and other items that he might need in his next life. Clothes, ointments, and offerings of food also accompanied the deceased into the afterlife."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "NOVA Online Pyramids Interview with Zahi Hawass." PBS. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2009. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova>.
• Winston, Alan. "Ancient Egyptian Religion and the Pyramids of Egypt." Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2009. <http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/pyramidreligion.htm>.
• "Pyramids." Ancient Egypt. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2009. <chalk.richmond.edu/education>.
• "Egyptian religion." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. 24 Nov. 2009 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/180764/Egyptian-religion>.

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