Book of the Dead

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Book of the Dead

Author	Ancient Egyptian priests
Country	Ancient Egypt
Language	Egyptian
Subject	Funerary text
Genre	Religious literature
Publication date	c. 1550 BCE – c. 50 BCE
Media type	Papyrus scrolls
Preceded by	Pyramid Texts

The Book of the Dead is an ancient Egyptian funerary text used from the beginning of the New Kingdom (around 1550 BCE) to around 50 BCE. The original Egyptian name for the text, transliterated as rw nw prt m hrw, is translated as "Book of Coming Forth by Day" or "Book of Emerging Forth into the Light". The text consists of a number of magic spells intended to assist a dead person's journey through the Duat, or underworld, and into the afterlife.

Content and Structure

The Book of the Dead was not a single book but a compilation of spells, charms, passwords, numbers, and magical formulas for use by the deceased in the afterlife. The spells were written on papyrus scrolls and placed in the coffin or burial chamber of the deceased. The text was often illustrated with vignettes depicting the deceased and their journey into the afterlife.

The Book of the Dead is divided into four main sections:

• The Chapters of Coming Forth by Day
• The Chapters of Transformation
• The Chapters of Protection
• The Chapters of Praise and Thanksgiving

Historical Development

The Book of the Dead evolved from the earlier Pyramid Texts and Coffin Texts, which were used in the Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom respectively. The Pyramid Texts were carved on the walls of the pyramids of kings and queens, while the Coffin Texts were written on the coffins of high-ranking officials. The Book of the Dead, however, was available to anyone who could afford a copy, making it more widely used.

Notable Spells

Some of the most famous spells from the Book of the Dead include:

• Spell 125: The Weighing of the Heart ceremony, where the deceased's heart is weighed against the feather of Maat, the goddess of truth and justice.
• Spell 30B: A spell to prevent the heart from betraying the deceased in the afterlife.
• Spell 72: A spell to ensure the deceased can breathe and drink in the afterlife.

Importance in Ancient Egyptian Religion

The Book of the Dead was an essential part of ancient Egyptian religion and was believed to be crucial for achieving a successful afterlife. The spells and rituals described in the text were intended to protect the deceased from the dangers of the underworld and to guide them to eternal life with the gods.

Related Pages

• Ancient Egyptian religion
• Pyramid Texts
• Coffin Texts
• Duat
• Maat
• New Kingdom of Egypt
• Papyrus