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Book of the Dead
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Papyrus page from the Book of the Dead, 18th dynasty; in the Egyptian Museum, Turin, Italy. Egyptian Book of the Dead: Anubis Egyptian Book of the Dead Ba hovering over a dead man, from a papyrus of the Book of the Dead; in the British Museum Reanimation rite, from the Book of the Dead, Hunefer Papyrus; in the British Museum.
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Papyrus page from the Book of the Dead, 18th dynasty; in the Egyptian Museum, Turin, Italy.
Papyrus page from the Book of the Dead, 18th dynasty; in the Egyptian Museum, Turin, Italy.

Book of the Dead

ancient Egyptian text
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Also known as: Letters to the Dead
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Book of the Dead, ancient Egyptian collection of mortuary texts made up of spells or magic formulas, placed in tombs and believed to protect and aid the deceased in the hereafter. Probably compiled and reedited during the 16th century bce, the collection included Coffin Texts dating from c. 2000 bce, Pyramid Texts dating from c. 2400 bce, and other writings. Later compilations included hymns to Re, the sun god. Numerous authors, compilers, and sources contributed to the work. Scribes copied the texts on rolls of papyrus, often colourfully illustrated, and sold them to individuals for burial use. Many copies of ...(100 of 147 words)

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