Ancient Egypt: The Art of Mummification

Read the summary below. Choose the answer that BEST fits into the blank to complete the summary.....

Ancient Egyptian civilization lasted for several thousands of years. The Egyptians were one of the first to believe in the afterlife. They thought that the soul would want to use its body forever.

_______________________.

This preserves the body so it doesn't decay, or break down.

• This is the reason that only priests were allowed to make mummies.

• They believed the ka needed to keep its physical body.

• That's why the Egyptians made an art of mummification.

Based on the section "Mummification Performed By Priests," which of the following statements would the ancient Egyptians agree with?

• Mummies are made in order to speed up the process of body decay.

• In the afterlife, mummies need their hearts, but not their brains.

• It takes about a week to dehydrate and wrap dead bodies.

Which selection from the article BEST describes how noble people could take an active role in proving they were worthy of eternal life?

• They believed that after a noble person died, the person journeyed into the Hall of Truth. There he would be judged by Osiris, the king of the dead.

• Had the man lied, cheated or been evil in his lifetime? The man's soul, or ka, would answer Osiris' questions and try to defend itself.

• The Egyptians believed that the ka had to take a long journey to reach Osiris. When a noble person died, the body was brought to a place called the Beautiful House.

Which selection from the article BEST explains why certain objects were put in a mummy's tomb?

• The final touch was a funerary mask. The mask, which was sometimes made entirely of gold, would be placed on the mummy's face.

• When all of these steps were completed, it was time to put the mummy in its tomb. Jewelry, games, furniture, food, clothing and makeup might be placed with it.

• Egyptians believed these things would be used by the mummy in the afterlife. The Book of the Dead might also be placed in the tomb to protect the body on its journey.

True or False?

The Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to believe in the afterlife.

• True

• False

Based on the article, which of the following is TRUE?

• Egyptians believed that the afterlife was similar to regular life.

• Egyptians believed the soul, or ka, would spend forever in a tomb.

• Egyptians believed all souls went to the afterlife to live forever.