The ancient Egyptians were highly superstitious regarding death and burial. Carrying out the elaborate rituals incorrectly could result in a haunting or possession by very angry spirits. Egyptologist Bridget McDermott explores the afterlife beliefs of this fascinating civilization.

In ancient Egypt, the death of an individual was met with ritual and superstition. While public mourning was fashionable, the corpse was removed from view. It is rarely referred to in Egyptian iconography. Crafted by the gods from clay or tears, the Egyptians understood the perishable nature of the human body. They abhorred the thought of decomposition, and after death, the body was quickly distanced from living.

In view of the heat, a corpse required immediate treatment or burial, although there were a few exceptions. Embalmers were known to take liberties with their clients, so young women were left to decompose a little. Executed criminals were deprived of an afterlife: they were left above ground where their remains were devoured by animals and birds.

You can read the rest of this feature in Paranormal Magazine issue 38

Other articles you may be interested in: