Preparing the Dead
Before the pyramids, most Egyptians were buried in the dessert in shallow pits. Egypt's climate dried out a person's remains, creating a mummy. According to religious beliefs, the soul would leave the mummy, but return it to receive food offerings. The preserved appearance of the body allowed it to be recognized by their spirit. Bu the time of the fourth dynasty, the Egyptians had begun to practice mummification, artificially preserving the bodies after burial. Mummification was expensive and took two to three months. Workers carefully remove dthe organs. The body was then filled with naturel salt and stored for about 40 days. During the time it completey dried out. Once dry, the body was cleaned and bathed in spices. It was then wrapped eith long linen bandages. While the workers were preparing the mummies, artisans were busy carving the coffins. Pharohs had 3-4 coffins. The coffin nested one inside another like boxes. The innermost coffin was usuallly shaped like a human body, with the dead person's face painted on the cover.