Role Of Mummification In Ancient Egypt

Mummification in Ancient Egypt: The Quest for a Blessed Afterlife When one thinks of ancient Egypt, it is inevitable that a grim image of a mummy will come to mind. The study of the practice of mummification is undeniably intriguing, even for those who have no other particular interest in the ancient Egyptian culture. It is such an enigmatic practice that one cannot help but be fascinated. It is quite certainly a difficult task to separate the ancient Egyptians from the practice of mummification, which is hardly surprising given that mummification was a practice that distinguished Egypt from many other cultures of that time period. Indeed, the mummies of ancient Egypt should be continuously studied; however, this study should not be pursued …show more content…
Was it merely because the ancient Egyptians were morbidly obsessed with death and, therefore, obsessed with the preparations for burial? What is far more likely is that there was much more to their customs than that. While it is perhaps true that, to a certain extent, the ancient Egyptians were consumed with the idea of death their reasons for this strong interest were not what many hastily conclude they were. It is almost insulting to assume that such an intelligent, progressive culture could ever be so macabre as to choose such an all-consuming lifestyle for such superficial reasons. Such a dismal existence would not be an appropriate, nor accurate, portrayal of the lives of the ancient Egyptians. Let it not be forgotten that they were a lively, oftentimes remarkably, happy people. Yes, the ancient Egyptians were immensely engrossed with death and all that came with it, but this was not because they were a morose people; rather, their interest belied their belief in death simply being an entryway to another life, hopefully one that was comparable, if not even better than, their life before …show more content…
Since the ancient Egyptians were so captivated by life, it is not surprising to observe that the prominent surviving pieces of their culture are of a funerary nature. Through this overwhelming representation of this particular part of the culture, it is safe to assume that it was an exceptionally important part of their culture. Yet, it was for more reason that this played such an important part in their lives than mere curiosity or interest. Surely the ancient Egyptians would not have been so concerned with the preservation of the body to ensure a quick and easy passage to the afterlife if it was only a fascination with death that spurred their actions. Their great conviction in an afterlife that would be a continuance of the joys of life, perhaps with even greater happiness, was the key to their endeavors. The anticipation that they felt encouraged their efforts towards a proper burial in order to facilitate an ideal afterlife. This reasoning would explain the incredible exertion placed in preparation for death and the