History

The Book of the Dead is an ancient Egyptian collection of mortuary texts, believed to guide and protect the deceased in their journey through the afterlife. Contrary to its name, it is not a single book but rather a compilation of various texts, including spells, incantations, and magical formulas. Here's a detailed history:

• Origins: It was probably compiled and reedited around the 16th century BCE, but its roots trace back to earlier mortuary literature like the Coffin Texts and Pyramid Texts.

• Content: The texts cover magical spells, incantations, hymns, and prayers intended to assist the deceased in their journey through the underworld known as the Tuat. They were written on papyrus scrolls and placed within the tombs.

• Modern Term: The name 'Book of the Dead' is a modern designation. The ancient Egyptians considered these texts as magical aids for a perilous journey to reach paradise in the afterlife.

• Beliefs: The texts reflect Egyptian views on death and the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the different modes of existence, known as 'kheperu''.

• Accessibility: Unlike the Pyramid Texts, which were exclusively for pharaohs, the Book of the Dead was more democratic. Anybody who could afford to commission a copy could use it.

Research

People

• E. A. Wallis Budge - An early 20th-century Egyptologist who translated many ancient Egyptian texts, including the Book of the Dead. His works, although somewhat dated now, are still cited.

• John H. Taylor - Curator at the British Museum, he has written extensively on the Book of the Dead and ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs.

• Foy Scalf - Foy Scalf is the head of research archives at the University of Chicago and has published work related to the Book of the Dead.

• Richard Lepsius - A 19th-century German Egyptologist, Lepsius is known for his pioneering work in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs and texts, including parts of the Book of the Dead.

• Kellie Warren - Author of a guidebook on the Book of the Dead, indicating her as a contemporary scholar on the subject.

Books

• The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Complete Papyrus of Ani

By E.A. Wallis Budge and Foy Scalf

• The Book of the Dead: The Hieroglyphic Transcript & Translation into English of the Ancient Egyptiia

By E.A. Wallis Budge

• The Modern Book of the Dead: A Revolutionary Perspective on Death, the Soul, and What Really Happens in the Life to Come

This book offers a contemporary approach to the Book of the Dead

Links & Video