Name_______________
Tombs & the Afterlife Fact-Finding Web Quest
Directions: Using the video clips and online content from Egypt’s Golden Empire, along with class discussion &
additional research, write a complete answer for each question. Be sure to read the questions in advance so you know
which topics you should be researching. Be as specific as possible when recording data, and include drawings or
pictures as needed to assist you with completing a related project. Additional internet resources are included below to
assist you with answering each question.
1. Why were elaborate tombs so important to pharaohs as well as every day Egyptians?
2. Ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife. Discuss this concept and the specific things Egyptians did as
part of their burial customs to prepare for this journey to the afterlife.
3. What religious ceremonies and/or gods and goddesses were associated with Egyptian burial and death?
4. What does the way a tomb is decorated and the items buried with the dead tell us about the person
buried there?
5. What were some of the typical, everyday items that might be included in an Ancient Egyptian tomb, and
why were these included?
6. How did the tombs of the pharaohs and royal family members differ from those of the average Egyptian?
7. What did traditional Egyptian artwork look like during the time of the great pharaohs?
8. Why was being a tomb builder considered a very important job in ancient Egypt?
9. Briefly describe the process of mummification and why it was used by the ancient Egyptians?
10. List other important information associated with ancient Egyptian death, tombs, and burial.
Internet Resources:
PBS: Egypt’s Golden Empire [http://www.pbs.org/empires/Egypt]
-webquest site as well as video clips
NGA: The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt
[http://www.nga.gov/kids/kidquest.pdf] AND
[http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2002/egypt/egypt-brochure.pdf]
-National Gallery of Art guide book and brochure on ancient Egypt exhibit including burial practices
NOVA: The Mummy Who Would Be King [http://www.pbs.org/nova/mummy/]
-Detailed description of mummification process & discussion of ancient Egyptian views of afterlife
PBS: Secrets of the Pharaohs [http://www.pbs.org/pharaohs]
-Offers look at diagrams of King Tut’s tomb & description of mummification process
PBS: Scientific American Dead Men’s Tales: The Real Pyramid Builders [http://www.pbs.org/saf/1203/index/html]
-discussion of role of tomb builders as craftsmen; details & discussion of average worker’s tomb & its contents
Egyptian Afterlife, Coffins, & Mummy Masks [http://www.crystalinks.com/egyptianafterlife.html]
-includes pictures, drawings, & explanations on the afterlife & the burial process in ancient Egypt
The Ancient Egypt Web Pages [http://www.members.aol.com/TEachersNet/AncientEgypt.html]
-supplies links to a wide variety of subjects related to ancient Egypt
The Goddesses and Gods of Ancient Egypt [http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/egypt/religion/godslist.html]
-comprehensive list of the gods & goddesses including physical description of what they looked like,
explanation of what they represented, & a pronunciation guide
The British Museum’s Gods & Goddesses [http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/gods/explore/main.html]
-comprehensive alphabetical list of most important gods/goddesses, including picture, physical description,
what they represented, & afterlife
Name_______________
Tombs & the Afterlife Project Guide
Directions: Using what you have learned from the video clips, internet sites, and your independent
research, create a tomb project that contains all of the elements described below. Choose a person from the
following list when describing your tomb.
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I am designing a tomb for : ____________________________________________________________ (choose from list below)
o
A famous pharaoh such as Ahmose, Tuthmosis III, Amenhotep III, Akenhaten, Ramesses II
o
A famous woman of power such as Hatshepsut, Tiy, Nefertiti, Nefertari
o
An everyday person (tomb builder, scribe, temple priest, etc.)
I will design my tomb by creating a ___________________________________________________(choose one)
o
Three-dimensional diorama or model
o
Color drawing done on poster board
o
Multi-media presentation (PowerPoint or Prezi) of 4-6 slides
o
Shoebox Sarcophagus
My project will include all of the following:
o
Examples of how the tomb will be decorated
o
Items that would be included in the tomb
o
Gods/Goddesses who would be part of the tomb
o
Explanation of the message that would be included to get this person to the afterlife
o
Sphinx of my chose person
With my project, I will include a typed, 2-3 paragraph explanation of why I chose:
o
To decorate the tomb the way I did
o
Specific items to be buried in the tomb with the deceased person
o
Certain gods/goddesses to be part of the tomb design
o
The message I did to ensure that the deceased would make it to the afterlife