Why and how were Egyptian pyramids built?
The pyramids were built to protect the body of the deceased pharaoh. These massive tombs were constructed to withstand the elements of time and were intended to last forever. Most Ancient Egyptians planned for their death and the pharaoh was no exception. His death was much more elaborate than the typical Ancient Egyptian and considered an important event; this process was tied to the rising and setting of the sun.
The Aztecs, Mayans and ancient Egyptians were three very different civilizations with one very large similarity: pyramids. However, of these three ancient cultures, the Egyptians set the standard for what most people recognize as classic pyramid design: massive monuments with a square base and four smooth-sided triangular sides, rising to a point. The Aztecs and Mayans built their pyramids with tiered steps and a flat top.
What function did they serve?
It was believed that while alive, the pharaoh represented Horus and upon his death he represented Osiris. During his state as Osiris, he would set the sun, while the new pharaoh, his son, in the image of Horus, would raise the sun. This process continued for hundreds of years and this is why it was important the pharaoh be protected eternally to avoid a cosmic disturbance.
What role does religion have in structuring the society/culture of Egypt?
Without the ancient Egyptian Religion, there would probably be little reason for one to visit Egypt today. One thing that does seem familiar about their ancient religion was that people were very concerned about the afterlife. Furthermore, in order to avoid being counted among the damned of the afterlife, one had to not only venerate the Egyptian gods, but also live by a code of standards that would be judged after death.
Why were people mummified?
People believed that a new life began when a person died. The mummy’s soul, and his invisible twin, were released from the mummy’s body and lived in a tomb. This is why the Ancient Egyptians built nice tombs. In order for a person to live forever, the soul and the invisible twin had to recognize the body or they could not return to it. That is why the body was preserved or mummified.
How was it done?
First, they would get the dead body and wash it with water or palm wine. They then used a long hook to pull out the brain through the left nostril and they then threw it out. Then they would cut the left side of the stomach and remove the liver, lungs, intestines and stomach. They don't remove the heart as the ancient Egyptians believed this contained the person's personality. They then covered the internal organs with Natron to absorb all the moisture. They rubbed the dried organs with oils and resin and wrapped them in linen bandages. They place them into Canopic jars. They then covered the body with Natron for 40 days to dry. They then rubbed the dry skin with palm oil and ointments, pack the stomach cavity with perfumed linen and sew up the wound. They then placed a magic charm over the stomach and a scarab-bettle shaped charm over the heart. They then wrapped the body with linen bandages dipped in gum. They placed amulets such as ankhs in with the bandages. They then placed a mask made from linen and glued it over the persons head and shoulders. They placed the body into a coffin. They then would alert the relatives that the body and Canopic jars are ready for burial.