mortuary temples

Mortuary temples are ancient structures built in Egypt primarily for the worship of deceased pharaohs and to honor their spirits. These temples served as sites for rituals and offerings intended to ensure the pharaoh's successful journey in the afterlife. Often located near royal tombs, they were elaborately decorated with inscriptions and reliefs that depicted various religious ceremonies. Mortuary temples played a crucial role in reinforcing the pharaoh's divine status, connecting the living with the deceased, and ensuring ongoing spiritual support from the gods. They highlight the significance of death and the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture.