The ancient Egyptians' beliefs in the afterlife were influenced by the cycles of nature that influenced their lives.  Each year, the Nile River flooded its banks. When the water receded, rich silt was left behind, creating fertile lands for farming.  The Egyptians would plant and harvest and the Nile would flood again.  The Egyptians also observed daily cycles in the rising and setting of the sun and the changing of the stars.  They were the first to institute a 365 day calendar.  Based on these observed cycles, the ancient Egyptians believed that the afterlife would be just like this one.  They prepared their bodies to be everlasting vessels for their ka (spirit) and packed food and other items to take with them into the next life.

 

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