Ancient Egypt

Question 1

How many steps are there in the mummification process?

Answer 1

There are 10 steps

Question 2

What is the first step in the mummification process?

Answer 2

The priest performing the process must don a jackal mask (representing Anubis) and dress up as a replica of the god. They then must learn and memorise spells and prayers from the Book of the Dead which they then chant over the dead body as they work.

Question 3

What is the second step of the mummification process?

Answer 3

The dead body was then washed with water or palm oil to cleanse it.

Question 4

What is the third step of the mummification process?

Answer 4

A long hook is then inserted through the left nostril and is moved around to break up the brain tissue. The brain, now broken up, is extracted back through the left nostril using the long hook.

Question 5

What is the fourth step of the mummification process?

Answer 5

After the brain has been removed and placed in a canopic jar, a cut is made in the left side of the stomach and the liver, lungs, intestines and stomach are all removed. The heart was left in the body as it was believed to contain the personality.

Question 6

What was the fifth step of the mummification process?

Answer 6

The internal organs were then covered with natron (a mineral salt found in dried lake beds that are made if hydrated sodium carbonate) to dry them out. They were then rubbed with oils and resin and wrapped in bandages made of linen. Afterwards, each organ was placed separately in canopic jars, each one bearing a certain god.

Question 7

What was the sixth step of the mummification process?

Answer 7

A similar ritual to the organs was performed with the body. It was covered in natron for 40 days to completely rob it of moisture. Then, the dried skin was covered with palm oils and ointments. After, the stomach cavity was packed with perfumed linen bandages and sewn up.

Question 8

What is the seventh step of the mummification process?

Answer 8

A magic charm or amulet was placed over the stomach and a scarab over the heart. Another layer of linen bandages, this time dipped in gum, was wrapped around the body. Each part was wrapped separately. Throughout this process, often many other magical symbols, such as the ankh, was wrapped with the body as it was believed the soul would need those in the afterlife.

Question 9

What is the eighth step of the mummification process?

Answer 9

When the body had been completely wrapped, a mask made from glue and linen was placed over the head and shoulders of the deceased. When concerning a Pharaoh, it was more than likely painted in gold. A panel that was inscribed with with protective magic symbols and drawing was placed across the top part.

Question 10

What is the ninth step of the mummification process?

Answer 10

The mummy of the deceased was then placed into a body shaped coffin that had been painted to resemble the Pharaoh (in a flattering way of course). The coffins had been decorated in multiple jewels, paintings and inscriptions of spells to show the wealth of the Pharaoh.

Question 11

What is the tenth step of the mummification process?

Answer 11

A funeral processional then occurred. This was so the chief priest could conduct the ceremony known as ‘opening the mummy’s mouth’. This was done to allow the dead person’s soul to talk in the afterlife.

Question 12

Why was the Nile River so important to the Ancient Egyptian civilisations?

Answer 12

The Nile River was so important to the Ancient Egyptian civilisations because it provided:

• housing (mud bricks)
• fresh water
• travel/transportation method
• farming (fertile soil)
• food source

Question 13

What were some of the disadvantages of the Nile River?

Answer 13

Severe floods:
-destruction of housing 
-loss of lives
-farm boundary lines destroyed
-crops annihilated (timing)
-have to rebuild canals
Drought:
-famine
-loss of lives

Question 14

Who is Hapi and explain how he is depicted

Answer 14

Hapi was the god of water and fertility and was known by many names (Hep, Hap and Hapy).
Hapi was a patron of both Lower and Upper Egypt and was depicted in twin forms. Hap-Reset for Upper and Hap-Meht for Lower. The twins were seen tying a knot using the papyrus and lotus in the hieroglyph “sema” which means joined.

Question 15

What were the three seasons, when were they and how long did they last for?

Answer 15

Akhet- the flooding season-
June to September- 4 months

Peret- The growing season-
October to February - 5 months

Shemu- The harvesting season-
March to May - 3 months

Question 16

What did the farmers do during Akhet and what was another name given to this season?

Answer 16

Akhet was known as the Inundation and was a time where all the fields were flooded with water. Because of this, farmers used this time to either repair tools, work for the Pharaoh or assist with the construction of the pyramids.

Question 17

What did the farmers do during Peret?

Answer 17

Peret was known as the growing season and was the time where the farmers sowed their seeds into the rich and fertile soil the flood left behind. Grains were often planted first, followed by vegetables. Fruit trees and vines were generally planted along paths to provide fruit and shade.