The Egyptian Conception of Immortality
The Ingersoll Lecture, 1911
"The Egyptian Conception of Immortality" by George Andrew Reisner is a scholarly publication written during the early 20th century. This book analyzes the ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding immortality, examining how these ideas evolved from primitive burial customs to more complex theories involving deities like Osiris. Through the use of archaeological findings and funerary texts, Reisner explores the deep-rooted cultural practices and religious beliefs that shaped the Egyptian understanding of life after death. In this comprehensive study, Reisner presents a detailed account of the various stages of Egyptian beliefs regarding immortality throughout history, from the simple customs of pre-dynastic societies to the elaborate burial practices of the Middle and New Empires. He explains that the Egyptians believed the spirit possessed a distinct identity that persevered beyond death, continuing to have desires and needs akin to earthly existence. The author highlights how the Osiris myth served as a transformative narrative that elevated the tomb practices associated with royalty to include more common people over time, thus illustrating a gradual democratization of beliefs in the afterlife. Ultimately, the book offers insights into how these religious beliefs were intertwined with social hierarchies and the evolving dynamics of power in ancient Egypt.
Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.
- Language
- English
- On Project Gutenberg since
- 1 May 2004
- Read in the last 30 days
- 437 times at Project Gutenberg
More from the shelf “Egypt”
See all: More from the shelf “Egypt”
The Kybalion
The Hawk of Egypt
An Account of Egypt
Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to the Study of Antiquities in Egypt
The Dash for Khartoum: A Tale of the Nile Expedition
History of Egypt, Chaldea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria in the Light of Recent Discovery
The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
Ancient Egypt
Legends of the Gods
History of Egypt, Chaldæa, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Volume 2 (of 12)
Mythen en Legenden van Egypte
History of Egypt, Chaldæa, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Volume 3 (of 12)
History Of Egypt, Chaldæa, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Volume 1 (of 12)
Egyptian Ideas of the Future Life
At Aboukir and Acre: A Story of Napoleon's Invasion of Egypt
History of Egypt, Chaldæa, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Volume 5 (of 12)
Legends of Babylon and Egypt in Relation to Hebrew Tradition
History of Egypt From 330 B.C. To the Present Time, Volume 12 (of 12)
The Discovery of the Source of the Nile
