The mummy : funereal rites & customs in ancient Egypt

To obtain eternal life the ancient Egyptians believed the body, upon death, had to undergo a mummification or embalming process. The author gives an account of the history of ancient Egypt and describes the techniques used in mummification and the rituals and artefacts associated with this funereal rite. To the Egyptian, the embalming of a dead body acted as a barrier against decay and prepared it for the return of the soul (and thereafter everlasting life). As the author notes, great care was taken in the preparation of the tombs to repel attacks by demons; to ensure the mummy rested in comfort the tombs were decorated with familiar scenes and with everyday objects from the person's life. This volume will interest anyone wishing to understand not only the process of mummification but also the cultural background of a ritual upon which an entire civilization was built.