Death and the Afterlife
The Tomb of Ramesses III
This artefact shows a 3D map of the tomb of Ramesses III.
Wealthy Egyptians spent a large amount of time and resources preparing for a life after death. Although most ordinary Egyptians would have had modest graves on the desert edge, our impression of ‘Ancient Egypt’ is dominated by the elaborate tombs prepared for a small number of rich people. Objects buried with the mummified body of the deceased tell us about Egyptian expectations for the afterlife, and the needs of the dead.
There are about 65 tombs in the Valley of the Kings although they aren’t all kings! No one knows if there are more to be uncovered. The very latest discovery was in 2011 by archaeologists from Switzerland. The tomb is that of a temple singer called Nehmes Bastet, the daughter of the high priest of Amun. Nehmes’ coffin and mummified body were still inside!
Lesson Plan 1: Were the Ancient Egyptians obsessed with death?
This lesson identifies and deconstructs the common misconception that all Ancient Egyptians were obsessed with death and dying. The lesson activities develop an understanding of how death was viewed and prepared for from the living. It also highlights that because many of the artefacts we study are from tombs, a common mistake many make is to assume that the Egyptians were preoccupied with the afterlife when it is just the case that we have more evidence of Egyptian life from tombs than everyday living.
Book of the Dead 2
Calendar of good deeds
Osiris
Lesson Plan 2: Death and the afterlife Why wear a mask?
This lesson explores how Egyptian masks were crafted and the material used to present and preserve the image of the body
Hieroglyphics
Discovering ancient Egypt
