This is an introduction to the extraordinary religion of the ancient Egyptian civilization and the beliefs that shaped their everyday life. It is an authoritative text by a leading Egyptologist is complemented by beautiful maps, drawings, illustrations and photographs of places and objects. It includes an account of Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife, the Book of the Dead and ceremonies such as mummification and the Weighing of the Heart. The widespread practices of magic, ritual and rites of passage are clearly explained. It includes a study of burial sites such as tombs, pyramids and ben-ben and other sacred stones. It describes temple rites and offerings, the power of the high priests, and the role of women in religion. Religious belief was central to life in ancient Egypt and played a fundamental role in the development of their great society. In the first half of this book, the state religion is considered, with an examination of the preparation for the afterlife, including the procedures and ceremonies that followed death. The second half of the book considers the effects of popular religion on daily activities and social history. The religion of the people of the River Nile is documented here with maps and a wealth of over 200 beautiful photographs, reproductions and artworks, making this book an essential reference for anyone interested in this ancient civilization.

A detailed history with fascinating insights and a gorgeous visual reference, this book tours the sacred Egyptian sites, from the impressive mortuary temples of the pharaohs to those dedicated to the many gods and goddesses.It includes an in-depth examination of the crucial role that religious belief and mythology played during this intriguing period of ancient history. The allure of ancient Egypt has endured over many centuries - and this authoritative volume offers further intriguing insights. It delves into the tombs, devoting chapters to the most famous burial sites: Giza, Saqqara and the Valley of the Kings, where the resting place of the boy-king Tutankhamun was discovered. The book also describes Egypt's temples, religions and myths, from the impressive mortuary temples of the pharaohs, such as Ramesses II, to elaborate funerary rituals, offerings and superstitions.With maps, chronologies and artwork supplementing more than 750 photographs, this book captures the essence of a fascinating epoch.

Ancient Egypt was a mystical society with a broad and deep belief in the afterlife and the existence of many gods to appease and worship. Everyday objects and animals were deified and worshipped. Even the kings were considered a divine embodiment of the gods. The tombs, burial sites and artefacts are an enduring testimony to this fascinating religion. Less documented, but no less fascinating, were the beliefs of the ordinary people of Egypt: magic, rituals, festivals, taboos, superstitions, dreams and oracles reveal how far religion influenced and enriched their lives. Finally the book looks at a voice of dissent in the 3000 year period: Pharoah Akhenaten, who defied thousands of years of culture and history to revolutionise Egyptian religion to outlaw Polytheism and allow worship of only one god.

Religious belief was central to life in ancient Egypt and played a fundamental role in the development of their great society. In the first half of this book, the state religion is considered, with an examination of the preparation for the afterlife, including the procedures and ceremonies that followed death. The section includes an examination of the afterlife, the Book of the Dead and ceremonies such as mummification and the Weighing of the Heart. The second half of the book examines the effects of popular religion on daily activities. It describes temple rites and offerings, the power of the high priests, and the role of women in religion. The religion of this fascinating society has been documented with maps and a wealth of over 200 beautiful photographs, reproductions and colour artworks, making this book an essential reference for anyone interested in this ancient civilization.