Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Lucia Gahlin's book is split into two primary sections. In the first, the author initiates us into the organised state religion of ancient Egypt, including the importance of the afterlife to ancient Egyptians, their funerary customs, the Book of the Dead, and of course the pyramids and other burial sites. The second part covers popular religion, and explains the importance of magic, ritual, and the power of the temples in the lives of ordinary folk.
The author starts with the burial chambers of the pharoahs, and the funerary customs surrounding them. Death was not the end for ancient Egyptians who believed very much in an afterlife, and their customs were designed to protect and prepare the recently departed for the trials to come. Objects were placed within the funerary chamber that would help or give comfort in the afterlife.
Preparation for the afterlife wasn't restricted to mummification, although this was important. Priests would utter prayers and spells, and coffins would be painted with chapters from the Book of the Dead and other mystical emblems. The author takes the time to explain this process in detail, and includes chapters on burial sites, mummification, weighing of the heart, coffins and texts, the Book of the Dead, the funerary equipment used and so much more.
Much of the first half of this book has been written about by other authors, but few books cover the lives of the people in quite as much detail as Gahlin. She makes the point that magic and superstition were crucial in daily life, and that every aspect of life was affected by this. Ancient Egyptians would regularly consult wise people, oracles, priests. Dreams played an important role in determining their futures. Reading the chapters on household dieties, rituals, rites of passage, festivals and music, and the role of the temples in society gives a far different impression of Egyptian life than I would have expected.
Anyone interested in religion at the state and popular level in ancient Egypt will find this book very informative. The author has taken the time to format this book into short focused chapters making it an easy read. Every page includes full color large-sized images, and many also include little snippet boxes that bring the content to life. I would also personally recommend this book for school libraries and would be an excellent project book or resource, but is probably more suitable for children 8-9 years or older.
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Egyptian Relion explains the preparation for the afterlife, including the procedures and ceremonies that followed death, such as the weighing of the heart and mummification.
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