The ancient Egyptians had a very different way of looking at life and death than many people do today. They believed that when someone died, like their king, it was not just the end but rather the beginning of a new journey in the afterlife. Mourning was a very serious event, and preparations for the king's funeral began even before he passed away. They built massive tombs filled with all sorts of items that the king might need in his next life, such as clothes, furniture, and even toys he loved as a child. This shows how much they cared about their rulers and their beliefs, which were deeply rooted in their culture.
The role of the priests during the mummification process was incredibly important. They had the duty to ensure that the king's body was preserved so that he could live forever in the afterlife and become one with Osiris, the god of the underworld. The priests used many methods to prevent decay, which was something they did not fully understand at the time. They first removed the king's brain and organs, preserving them in special jars while leaving the heart and kidneys intact. This careful and detailed process indicated how serious they were about maintaining the integrity of the king’s body, which they believed was essential for his next journey.
Overall, the mummification process requires a lot of time and effort, taking a full 70 days to complete. The priests wrapped the king's body in many layers of fine linen and placed valuable items among the wrappings, highlighting their respect and devotion. The information we have about this process comes from texts found years later, showing that while ancient Egyptians may not have known everything about preservation, they had a strong belief in the afterlife and the proper care of the dead. Their practices were not only unique but also demonstrated their deep appreciation for their leaders and the cultural importance of life after death.