The purpose of mummification was to keep the body intact so it could be transported to a spiritual afterlife.

What was mummification and why was it done?

Ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife when someone died. Mummification helped someone reach the afterlife as they believed that an afterlife could only exist if there was a form the ka (soul) could repossess after death. ... Mummification was mainly done to wealthy people as poorer people could not afford the process.

Why did the pyramids mummify the dead?

The pharaoh believed his death wasn�t an end, but rather an extension towards eternal life. In order to exist as a being in the afterlife his physical body was to be preserved and safeguarded. It was imperative that the body be recognizable by his spirit which led to the process of mummification.