---

 

An Introduction to Ancient Egypt

Share This Page

Follow This Site

---

Part 5: Mummies and Legacy

A mummy was created using special chemicals. The body was wrapped tight and preserved so that the person inside would have protection for his or her soul.

The Egyptians made their dead pharaohs into mummies because they believed that the pharaohs would be their link to the gods even in the afterlife. The people wanted the gods to continue to smile on them, so they kept their pharaohs protected by strong chemicals and strong buildings (the pyramids). The current pharaoh was a child of the gods, but it sure didn't hurt to have other pharaohs still protecting people.

And the amazing thing about mummies is that we are still finding them. Every year or so, an archaeologist announces finding another mummy. The special chemicals the Egyptians used, along with the desert climate of Egypt, has allowed mummies to survive for thousands of years.

The story of ancient Egypt has also survived for thousands of years. Egypt was one of the greatest countries of ancient times. The strong pharaohs and strong armies kept Egypt safe. The strong Nile kept invaders out. The numerous harvests of flax, barley, papyrus, and other crops kept the Egyptian people fed and healthy and also kept the treasury full (from payments made by other civilizations).

The Egyptians gave us hieroglyphs, papyrus, and the pyramids. They gave us a story of unity in government. They gave us a lesson in agriculture (how to farm on a flood plain). And they gave us an example to follow: Even though these people are long gone, their story lives on.

First page > The Importance of the Nile > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5