
Ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs
Ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife where the soul, or "ka," would continue to exist after death. They thought that proper burial practices, like mummification and the placement of grave goods, were essential for ensuring the ka's journey to the afterlife. The "Book of the Dead" provided guidance for navigating the challenges faced in the afterlife. A key belief was in the "weighing of the heart" ceremony, where the deceased's heart was weighed against the feather of Ma'at (truth). If the heart was lighter, the individual was deemed worthy to enter the paradise known as the Field of Reeds.