Ancient history

Why did the pyramids matter to Egyptians?

Preservation of the Pharaoh

To the ancient Egyptians, the preservation of the body after death was essential for the soul to continue its journey into the afterlife. Egyptians believed that a person consisted of a physical body, a soul, and a spirit, and that the preservation of the body was necessary for the other two components to survive and thrive in the afterlife. The process of mummification was designed to preserve the body for as long as possible, and the construction of pyramids was seen as a way to protect the body from grave robbers and other threats. This was why pyramids were built for pharaohs and other high-ranking officials.

Divine Kingship

In ancient Egypt, the pharaohs were seen as living gods, representatives of the gods on earth. The pyramids were built as monuments to the pharaoh's power and divinity. The larger and more impressive the pyramid, the more powerful and divine the pharaoh was considered to be. The pyramids also served as a way for the pharaohs to communicate with the gods and to ensure their continued favor and protection.

Symbol of Eternity

The pyramids were built to last for eternity, and they served as a reminder of the pharaoh's enduring power and legacy. The pyramids were believed to be a portal to the afterlife, and they were filled with treasures and offerings to ensure the pharaoh's comfort in the afterlife. The pyramids were also a way for the pharaohs to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, and to ensure that their names and deeds would be remembered for centuries to come.

Overall, the pyramids were of great importance to the ancient Egyptians. They were a symbol of the divine kingship of the pharaohs, a way to preserve the bodies of the dead for the afterlife, and a reminder of the eternity of the pharaohs' power and legacy.