Ancient Egypt Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are pyramids?
They are massive tombs constructed by Egyptians.
How many pyramids have been discovered until now?
138
What are pyramids made of?
Most of them, limestone.
What is Limestone?
It is a rock, a sedimentary rock: a rock naturally made from the accumulation of other rocks and organic material.
How many workers and time does it take to build One pyramid?
About 10.000 workers and 30 years.
What purpose serves the pyramids?
Egyptians used them as a way to access the afterlife
How is the journey to the after-life according to the Egyptians?
Difficult, with more than 1.000 guardians to pass, answers lots of questions and passwords.
What book is helping for the journey to the afterlife ?
The Book of the Dead.
There is a text exclusively written for the pharaoh in the book of the Dead. Why is that?
In order to help the Dead king join the Gods in the afterlife, and reunite with the divine father Ra.
Why were the texts written all over the walls and on sarcophagus in the pyramids?
It acts as a cheat shit. It helps the Pharaoh follow the instructions easily.
Why are pyramids shaped as they are?
The shape of the pyramid is believed to help direct the soul of the Pharaoh to reach heaven on sunbeams.
Why would people build pyramids from their own will?
They believed that taking care of the pharaoh by building pyramids, the Gods would take care of the people. Workers would also be honored to be buried in the shadow of the pyramid.
Why were cosmetics used in ancient Egypt?
They were seen as magic protection and animal pigments were believed to transfer their power, for medical purposes and to show social status.
What is the meaning of the eye of Horus?
Well being, healing, protection. Because Horus had his eye destroyed and healed.
Who is Osiris?
The first ruler of Egypt, and then Lord of the underworld.
Who is Set ?
The jealous brother of Osiris
Who is Isis?
The wife of Osiris.
What is the link between Osiris, Set and Isis?
Osiris and Isis ruled over Egypt. Set jealous of his brother (romantically), cut the latter into pieces and dispersed the body parts all over Egypt. Isis retrieved some of them and patched the King.
Why did ancient Egyptians mummify the dead?
To preserve the body since they believed that their identity was tied to the physical body, and in order to access the afterlife the full body needed to be there.
How long does the mummification take?
70 days
How many steps is there for the entire mummification?
9.
What are the nine steps of mummification?
PURIFYING the body by washing it with palm wine and water from the Nile
BRAIN REMOVAL through the nose using a hook
ORGAN REMOVAL and placed in Canopic Jars
DRYING with Natron Salt covering the body for 40 days
FILLING the body with sawdust and linen cloth after rewashing it
WRAPPING with Linen bandages soaked in resin
DECORATION with amulets and protective symbols
MASK on the head and COFFIN
FINAL RITUAL was done by priest wearing a jackal-headed mask
