:25:23
But preparation for the afterlife
:25:25
began long before death.
:25:30
In grand temples once supported
:25:32
by these pillars-among
:25:34
the largest places
of worship ever built
:25:37
the living pharaons gave offerings
:25:38
as a way of communicating
:25:40
with the gods in the world beyond
:25:42
and courting their favor.
:25:51
Both immense and colorful,
:25:54
temples like the great structure
called Medinet Habut
:25:57
were the settings for
magnificent rituals
:26:00
that proclaimed to all
:26:02
not only the pharaon's power and wealth
:26:05
but his devotion to the gods
:26:07
he would one day j oin
on a j ourney through eternity.
:26:21
They sure seemed preoccupied
with life after death.
:26:25
Yes,
:26:26
and probably because
no ancient people enj oyed life
:26:29
as much as they did.
:26:33
There are picture stories
of invention and adventure
:26:37
of board games and ball games,
of dance and music...
:26:44
of acrobats and mechanical toys...
:26:49
of the affection between
husbands and wives...
:26:53
and of family unity and love.
:26:57
It was the most advanced
civilization of its time...