Heart

Definition

In ancient Egyptian belief, the heart was considered the center of a person's being, emotions, and intellect. It was thought to hold the soul and was crucial for the afterlife, especially during the judgment process where it was weighed against the feather of Ma'at to determine one's fate in the realm of the dead.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The heart was often left inside the body during mummification because it was considered essential for one's existence in the afterlife.
2. During the judgment of the deceased, the heart was weighed against Ma'at's feather to determine if a person led a virtuous life; a heavy heart signified a life filled with wrongdoings.
3. If a person's heart was found lighter than the feather, they were granted passage to the afterlife; if heavier, they faced punishment from Ammit, a devourer of souls.
4. The heart was sometimes referred to as 'ib' in ancient Egyptian texts, emphasizing its importance in both life and death.
5. Amulets shaped like hearts were often placed within tombs or worn by the living to protect and ensure the heart's safety in the afterlife.

Review Questions

• How did ancient Egyptians view the role of the heart in relation to a person's identity and moral standing?
  • Ancient Egyptians believed that the heart was not just an organ but the essence of a person's identity, emotions, and intellect. It was central to one's moral standing and played a vital role in the afterlife. During judgment, a person's heart was weighed against Ma'at's feather; if it was heavy with wrongdoing, it indicated a failure to live virtuously, ultimately determining their fate in the afterlife.
• Discuss how Anubis played a role in relation to the heart during the afterlife judgment process.
  • Anubis was integral to the judgment process concerning the heart. As the god of mummification and the afterlife, he oversaw the weighing of hearts against Ma'at's feather. His presence ensured that this critical assessment was conducted fairly and accurately, emphasizing his protective role for souls transitioning into the afterlife. Anubis's involvement highlighted both his importance in preserving life through mummification and his function as a guide for souls facing judgment.
• Evaluate the implications of preserving the heart during mummification on ancient Egyptian beliefs about life and death.
  • The preservation of the heart during mummification underscores profound beliefs regarding life and death in ancient Egypt. It reflected their understanding that physical existence was tied intricately to moral integrity. The heart’s preservation signified hope for an eternal life where one’s virtues could grant access to paradise. This belief system revealed how they viewed death not as an end but as a transition that required careful preparation for facing divine judgment and securing one's eternal fate.

Related terms

Ma'at: The ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, and justice, represented by a feather used in the weighing of the heart during the judgment of the deceased.

Anubis: The ancient Egyptian god associated with mummification and the afterlife, who oversaw the weighing of the heart against Ma'at's feather.

Canopic Jars: Containers used by ancient Egyptians to store and preserve the internal organs removed during mummification, except for the heart, which was believed to be essential for the deceased's journey in the afterlife.