20 Questions
What was the significance of the 72 days of mourning for the kings' funerals?
It provided opportunity for anyone to accuse the king of wrongdoing.
What was the role of the 40 judges during the pre-burial rites?
To test the accuracy of accusations brought against the deceased.
What was the consequence if an accuser succeeded in showing that the deceased had led a bad life?
The body was deprived of a legal burial.
What was the purpose of entreaties to the gods of the infernal regions during the funeral?
To ensure that the deceased would be admitted into the place reserved for good men.
What happened to those who were deprived of burial because they lay under the ban of an accusation or had not paid their debts?
They were merely laid in their houses without proper burial.
What materials were used in the funeral process for the poor under normal circumstances?
Bitumen and natron
Where were the poor laid to rest after the funeral?
In a hole, a cave, or the open desert
What did the people do when a king died?
Wept, rent their garments, and abstained from sacrifices and festivals
What did the people parade in the streets with when a king died?
Mud on their heads and their garments knotted like girdles below their breasts
What did the people deny themselves of when a king died?
Wheat, animal food, wine, and dainty fare
What were the few personal ornaments of the dead person placed on during the funeral process for the poor?
The face of the deceased
What was the primary role of the 40 judges during the pre-burial rites for the wealthy?
To determine if the deceased led a good life
What did the people parade in the streets with when a king died?
Mud on their heads
What materials were used in the funeral process for the poor under normal circumstances?
Bitumen or natron
What was placed on the deceased to support his weary feet in the nether-world during the funeral process for the poor?
Sandals
What was the purpose of the funeral oration over the body of the king?
To give the assembled multitude the opportunity to express approval or disapproval of the king's life
What happened during the pre-burial rites if an accuser succeeded in showing that the deceased had led a bad life?
The judges made a decree which deprived the body of a legal burial
What was the significance of the 72 days of mourning for the kings' funerals?
To ensure that no one dared to make use of baths, recline on couches, or partake in pleasures of love
What materials were used in the burial process for those who had private burial places?
They were buried using sumptuous materials provided by their younger family members
What was the role of the 40 judges during the pre-burial rites?
To make a decree depriving the body of a legal burial if an accusation was found to be true
Study Notes
Significance of the 72 Days of Mourning
- The period represented deep respect and sorrow for the deceased king, allowing time for collective grieving.
- It was a ritual that reinforced the societal importance of the monarchy and the transition of power.
Role of the 40 Judges During Pre-Burial Rites
- They evaluated the deceased's life and conduct to determine if they were worthy of a proper burial.
- Their decisions could lead to the deceased being denied burial rites if deemed morally inadequate.
Consequences of Showing a Bad Life
- If an accuser successfully proved the king had lived poorly, it could result in disgrace, impacting the deceased's posthumous reputation and burial rituals.
Purpose of Entreaties to Infernal Gods
- These prayers sought favor and protection for the deceased in the afterlife, ensuring safe passage to the netherworld.
- The entreaties also reflected the cultural belief in an interconnectedness between the living and the dead.
Consequences for the Deprived of Burial
- Individuals under accusation or debt could face neglect in burial practices, potentially ending in unmarked graves or being left unburied, affecting their legacy.
Materials Used for the Poor in Funerals
- Humble materials were employed, such as simple cloth wrappings, limited offerings, and no extravagant artifacts usually reserved for the wealthy.
Burial Places for the Poor
- The impoverished were typically interred in communal graves or designated areas for those unable to afford private burials.
Actions of the People Upon a King's Death
- Citizens would participate in mourning rituals, showcasing their loyalty and sorrow through organized events and observances.
Paraphernalia in Streets During Mourning
- Crowds paraded with symbolic objects, such as effigies, or items that signified royal status, highlighting the collective mourning.
Denials During Mourning
- The community refrained from celebrations, feasting, and other joyous activities as a form of respect for the deceased monarch.
Personal Ornaments for the Poor
- Few personal items, such as simple jewelry or tokens of identity, were placed on the body to acknowledge the individual’s existence.
40 Judges’ Role for the Wealthy
- Their judgments during pre-burial rites assessed the moral standing of wealthy individuals, ensuring only honorable candidates received elaborate funerals.
Support for the Deceased’s Feet
- During funeral rites, items such as sandals or symbolic objects were placed on the feet to assist the departed in their journey through the afterlife.
Purpose of Funeral Oration for Kings
- These speeches commemorated the king’s life and achievements, solidifying his legacy and role in society, while invoking respect from the mourners.
Pre-Burial Rites Following Accusation
- Accusations that were successful resulted in the deceased facing severe rites, affecting their posthumous honor and possible denial of a regal burial.
Materials for Private Burial Places
- Wealthy individuals received elaborate materials, including fine linens, precious items, and other lavish symbols befitting their status in life.
Summary of the 40 Judges’ Role
- Consistently tasked with assessing lives, their decisions held significant weight in determining the outcome of burial rights throughout the community.
Test your knowledge of the funeral practices in ancient Egypt, including the differences in funeral celebrations for the rich and the poor. Explore the rituals and customs associated with ancient Egyptian funerals in this quiz.
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