The artefacts found by archaeologists during digs help us learn about how ancient Egyptians lived and what they believed. Historians study these objects to understand what life was like back then.
The Importance of the River Nile
Around 6000 BC, people started settling near the River Nile, in what is now Egypt. The river was very important because it flooded every year, making the land perfect for farming. The river was also great for fishing and trading.
That’s why a Greek historian called Herodotus said Egypt was "the gift of the Nile."
Many objects have been found to demonstrate this importance, for example net sinkers used to weigh fishing nets, stone hoe’s for tilling the soil, and stone sickle blades for harvesting crops. Found in many graves, model boats show the importance of river travel in Egyptian society, and symbolised travel to the afterlife.
Model boats show that travel was important in Ancient Egyptian society. These were often found in graves. No date provided.
Beliefs About Death
The ancient Egyptians are well-known for their beliefs about death and the afterlife, due to countless artefacts excavated by archaeologists which help us to understand more about mummification. As it was a ritualistic process, there were few illustrations and written records about the process, so the objects are very significant.
Ancient Egyptians believed that the best way to ensure life after death was a well-preserved body.
Because of the hot, arid climate in Egypt, buried bodies would mummify naturally. However, keen to speed up the process, the ancient Egyptians developed an artificial way to mummify their dead, for those who were wealthy enough!
First, organs were removed from the body and placed in a set of four canopic jars. The lids of these jars represent the sons of Horus: Imetsy (with a human head), Hapy (baboon), Duamutef (jackal) and Qebensenuef (falcon). The heart was left in place.
A plain canopic lid with small face carved into one side, possible representing Imsety, from 20th Dynasty (1186 – 1069 BC).
Wrapping the body was not essential but was an important part of preparing the body for burial. Wrapping and using bandaged was to ensure that mummies were made in imitation of Osiris.
Amulets were buried with the mummy, placed in specific locations on the body and wrapped into the bandages. For example, scarab amulets were placed over the heart.
The Egyptians believed that life could continue after death, if the body was cared for properly. They placed items in tombs to help sustain the body and make things more comfortable in the afterlife.
This wooden face with inlaid eyes came from a fully carved coffin, from c. 1400 BC.
The ancient Egyptians imagined the afterlife as being like life on Earth. They thought they would need many ordinary items – such as furniture, cosmetics, pots and bowls. Ancient Egyptian tombs full of these types of items. Their tomb was seen as their house, so could be very elaborate and highly decorated with carvings and wall paintings.