By 
Tejal Gala
 | 
TED-Ed Original

The Egyptian Book of the Dead: A guidebook for the underworld

Ancient Egyptians believed that in order to become immortal after death a spirit must first pass through the underworld — a realm of vast caverns lakes of fire and magical gates. Needless to say one needed to come prepared. But how? Tejal Gala describes an Egyptian "Book of the Dead" -- a customized magic scroll written by the living to promote a smooth passage to the afterlife when they died.

Related tags:

TED is supported by ads and partners

Watch next