Compare&Contrast between Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greece
Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greek practices of preparing the dead for the next cradle of humanity are very intriguing. These two cultures differ in a number of ways yet similarities can be noted in the aspect of funerary services. In the Egyptian afterlife, The book of the Dead can provide one with vital information concerning ritual entombment practices and myths of the afterlife. "The funerary customs and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians called for the preservation of the body and ample provisions for the after-life. This was envisaged as a continuation of the existence before death" (Death 1). One particular method used by the Egyptians was an intricate process known as mummification. It was undoubtedly a very involved process spanning seventy days in some cases. First, all the internal organs were removed with one exception, the heart. If the body was not already West of the Nile it was transported across it, but not before the drying process was initiated. "Natron, whic!h was a special salt, was extracted from the banks of the Nile and was placed under, on the sides, on tap, and in the body cavity to help the process of dehydration" (Freeman 96). After thirty-five days the ancient embalmers would anoint th
performed after the purification by water and incense had been effected" (Budge 207). This was done to ensure that the deceased was able to speak during their journeys in Duat. Another practice used by the Egyptians to aid the departed soul involved mass human sacrifice. Many times if a prominent person passed away the family and servants would willingly ingest poison to continue their servitude in the next world. The family members and religious figureheads of the community did just about everything in their power to aid the deceased in the transition to a new life. "The community made sure that the tomb-owner would continue after death the occupations of this life and so everything required was packed in the tomb along with the body. Writing materials were often supplied along with clothing, wigs, hairdressing supplies and assorted tools, depending on the occupation of the deceased. Often model tools rather than full size ones would be placed in the tomb; models were cheape! e body with oil and wrap it in fine linen. "If the deceased were wealthy enough a priest donning a mask of Anubis would preside over the ceremonies to ensure proper passage into the next realm" (Freeman 91). One of the practices overseen by the priest was the placing of a special funerary amulet over the heart. This was done in behest to secure a successful union with Osiris and their kas. The amulet made sure the heart did not speak out against the individual at the scale of the goddess of justice and divine order, Maat. The priest also made use of a chisel. "That portion of the ceremony which was believed to procure the unlocking of the jaws and the opening of the mouth of the deceased, or of the statue which sometimes represent
Some common words found in the essay are:
Book Dead, West Nile, Hades King, Ancient Greek, Fields Blessed, According Homeric, University Pennsylvania, book dead, , Oxford York, amulet heart, ancient greek, ancient 2, ancient 3, ancient civilizations,
Approximate Word count = 1157
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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