MUMMY
In Egyptian religion, the preservation of the corpse was essential so that the deceased could enjoy the afterlife.
Initially, it was believed that eternal life was reserved only for kings, who were embalmed for their enjoyment (see EMBALAMING).
Later the practice became widespread, as the enjoyment of this afterlife extended to other classes. It should be noted that the life of the soul was believed to be subject to the preservation of the body. Hence this practice.
Many mummies in excellent condition have been discovered in excavations in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Along with them are instruments and goods that it was believed they would need in their life in the invisible world.
The mummies were kept in sarcophagi, which were often multiple, and which constituted a representation of the deceased.