The Tombs of Ancient Egypt

This presentation is designed to help you gain a better understanding of Ancient Egyptians’ view of both life and the afterlife, and the way in which they

celebrated both.

Part of this presentation is designed to give you information, while other parts allow you to explore

and have some fun.

Egyptians Tombs

Mummies are one of the most recognizable features of Ancient Egyptian culture.

-Why was mummification so important to the Egyptians?

Use the following webpage to answer this question:

The Importance of Mummification

How to make a mummy

-The process of mummification evolved throughout the time of Ancient Egypt. As new products and techniques became available, mummification became more effective.

-For example, Egyptians wanted to dehydrate, or dry out the bodies of the deceased in order to keep them preserved for all eternity. At first, they used their environment. The hot, dry climate of Egypt allowed them to use the sand to help dehydrate the bodies. Eventually, a substance known as “natron,” a type of salt, was used and was far more effective than previous methods.

The Mummy’s Tomb

-The most famous tombs of Ancient Egypt are enclosed inside pyramids. However, not all tombs are housed in pyramids.

-The mastaba was the earliest and simplest tomb structure. It consisted of a single elevated platform and was built of mud-brick. These structures were not particularly elaborate and were not decorated.

The Mummy’s Tomb

-During the Old Kingdom, Imhotep built the step pyramid for Djoser. This structure was the first all stone monument and was, of course, the inspiration for the true pyramids that followed.

The Mummy’s Tomb

-The pyramids were the major achievements of the 4th dynasty (approximately 2500 BC) during the Old Kingdom.-They were built for Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.-These pyramids are incredible monuments to the rulers for which they were built, as well as the people that built them.- The pyramid of Khufu, for example:

-contains over 2,300,000 stones -the base is 13 square acres, 568,500 sq. ft, or 7 city blocks -the side of each base is 754 feet, or more than 2 football

fields -the pyramid weights 6.5 million tons -each stone weighs approximately 2.5 tons -is 481 feet tall

Because the king was revered as God, his tomb (the pyramid) was constructed to last forever, thus ensuring the continuing prosperity of the king in his afterlife. Like the early mastabas, the 4th dynasty pyramids had no decorations

The Mummy’s Tomb

-As time progressed, pyramids got smaller, but decorations increased, beginning first with writings and hieroglyphics, and eventually including ornate paintings and other decorative items.

Hieroglyphics from the tomb of Unas

The Mummy’s Tomb

The hieroglyphics and paintings, like this one from Queen Nefertari, depicted the journey that the king or queen would take

as they moved from life to the afterlife. It is one way for archaeologists to know who is in the tomb, and what position in

society may have occupied.

Tombs of the Noblemen

-Tombs of the nobleman and high priests, like those of royalty, began modestly. In general, they were housed in mastabas, and depicted their daily duties and responsibilities.

Tombs of the Noblemen

-Eventually, the artwork also depicted scenes with strong religious imagery. Common people were expected to be in the company of the gods, who will see to it that they will be favorably judged and will make it safely to the afterlife.

Tombs of the Worker

-During the New Kingdom, workers that helped create royal tombs were honored with tombs of their own.

-These tombs were typically 1/5 the size of the noblemen’s tombs, which themselves were 1/5 the size of royal tombs.

-Artwork and decorations again depict religion and duties.

The Mummy’s Tomb

-Other tombs that have been found include those for famous warriors, middle-class politicians, dentists, as well as some “multi-family cemetaries” of common people.

-There have been many discoveries of mummified animals, including cats, birds, fish, even lions and crocodiles!

Mummified animals were usually those considered sacred to the Egyptians, but some may have been beloved pets!

Artifacts in the Tombs

-The artifacts found in tombs depended heavily on that person’s job and social status. They were items that people thought the deceased would need as they journeyed to the afterlife.

-For example, a worker would have much more modest items in their tomb (pottery, household items) than a pharaoh would have in their tomb (gold, jewels, etc.)

Artifacts in the Tombs

The following link takes you to a virtual tour of King Tutankhamen’s tomb. Notice the images on the wall.

“Journey Into the Afterlife”

Once you’ve watched the “Journey Into the Afterlife” segment, click on royal wrappings. Notice how many shrines and coffins

Tut was encased in.

Artifacts in the Tombs

Here are some of the hundreds of artifacts found in Tut’s tomb:

Alabaster Bust of Chest of Tutankhamen Tutankhamen

Tut’s Diadem

The Mummy’s Tomb

-Your assignment-

-Using what you have learned about daily life in Egypt and what you now know about Egyptian tombs, examine a list of items found in various tombs. Determine who was found in that tomb.

When you’re done, try playing this game. See if you remember the steps of mummification! Don’t worry, they’re already dead…they won’t feel a thing!

“Mummy Maker”