The Great Egyptian Pyramids
Part 2: Why Were They Built?
When a pharaoh died, he or she was embalmed, wrapped in preservative materials, and set in a sarcophagus (coffin) inside the pyramid. Also inside the pyramid were jewels, food, and other things the pharaoh would take with himself or herself into the next life. These embalmed pharaohs are called mummies. 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.
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Why
were these Pyramids built? The Egyptian people believed in
another life beyond the one they lived on Earth. They
believed that their pharaohs, who were closer to the gods or
even gods come to Earth, should have all kinds of earthly
comforts in their journey to the next life.
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.
Social Studies for Kids
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David White