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40. Amenhotep IV (c. 1362-1347 B.C.) introduced the worship of Aton, god of the sun disk, as the chief god and pursued his worship with enthusiasm. Changing his own name to Akhenaten (โIt is well with Atonโ), the pharaoh closed the temples of other gods and especially endeavored to lessen the power of Amon-Re and his priesthood at Thebes.
Have you ever heard of the Great Pyramid, or the Sphinx? They are both part of a very mysterious country in Africaโฆ Egypt! It is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and is famous for its Lion-bodied Sphinx and towering pyramids. Today, weโll learn about all of these things, and much more!
One of the most unique elements in their culture is their beliefs in the afterlife. When a body dies, they put it through a process called mummification. First, they would remove the internal organs and brain from the corpse. Next, they put a preserving salt on and wait for 70 days. Then, the body is covered with a substance that they used as glue. Finally, it is wrapped in a linen cloth and placed in the coffin. It was believed that if you did not have a jaw or it was apart from the rest of your body, you could not go to the afterlife. We know about their beliefs in the afterlife because of Hieroglyphics.
The Sphynx is a very interesting symbol in their culture. It is a lion with a manโs head. When Mark Lehner went to Egypt, he thought that there were files under the Sphynxโs Paws. He stayed there for 13 years and learned all about the pyramids. Since he couldnโt dig under the paws, he never found out if it was true or not.
Why did the Egyptians choose pyramids? Well, they believed that the pyramid symbolized importance, power, and knowledge. Since the pyramid was so special, they only buried pharaohs in them.
Here are some important things to remember: It is famous for its towering Pyramids and Great Sphinx. It also is very unique in its beliefs in mummification and the afterworld. Tutโs tomb travels all over the world from museum to museum because it is so famous and people like to come and see it. I hope that you know more about the Egyptian Pyramids now. Thanks for listening!!!