Egyptian Mummies

PART A: Which statement identifies the central idea of the text? (RI.1.2)

• In ancient Egypt, it was very unlikely for nobles to be granted eternal life by the gods.

• In order to be accepted into the afterlife in ancient Egypt, an individual was judged by the wealth they possessed at the end of their lives.

• Mummification was a process in which ancient Egyptian citizens showed respect for their nobles.

• In ancient Egypt, a noble’s journey to the afterlife includes mummification and spiritual judgement by the God Osiris.

PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A? (RI.1.1)

• “Had the soul lied, cheated, or lived an evil life? The soul defends itself before a variety of interrogating gods.” (Paragraph 4)

• “Before being judged by Osiris, the noble's soul had undertaken a journey that lasted over two months.” (Paragraph 8)

• “Egyptians believed that the afterlife would be much like life on Earth and that the soul would want use of its body in eternity.” (Paragraph 9)

• “Jewelry, games, furniture, food, clothing, and cosmetics might be entombed with the corpse. These things would be used in the afterlife.” (Paragraph 11)

PART A: How is Osiris portrayed in the text? (RI.1.3)

• critical

• popular

• generous

• hateful

PART B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A? (RI.1.1)

• “Upon his head rests a glittering crown with a gorgeous white feather plume on either side.” (Paragraph 2)

• “Behind Osiris stands Isis, the revered goddess of nature, who is responsible for bringing the dead earth back to life each year” (Paragraph 2)

• “Osiris begins the process of judging the noble's life. On one side of a scale, Osiris places the heart of the noble, which bares the secrets of the soul” (Paragraph 4)

• “Before being judged by Osiris, the noble's soul had undertaken a journey that lasted over two months” (Paragraph 8)

In your opinion, why did Egyptians spend so much time on the physical presentation of the body when a noble was ultimately judged on the contents of their heart?

In the context of the text, can we control our fate (destiny)? Things to consider: Egyptian culture practiced mummification because people believed they could control their afterlife through this process. What rituals do other cultures practice in hopes of controlling their afterlife?

• Yes, we can control our fate (destiny).

• No, we can not control our fate (destiny).