CHAPTER 2
SOURCES OF THE MATERIAL
CHAPTER 2Visible text2 paragraphs
With the exception of certain mythological explanations supplied by the inscriptions and reliefs in the temples, our knowledge of Egyptian ideas in regard to the future life is based on funerary customs as revealed by excavations and on the funerary texts found in the tombs. These tombs always show the same essential functions through all changes of form, -- the protection of the burial against decay and spoliation, and the provision of a meeting-place where the living may bring offerings to the dead.
Correspondingly, there are two sets of customs, -- burial customs and offering customs. The texts follow the same division. For the offering place, the texts are magical formulas which, properly recited by the living, provide material benefit for the dead. For the burial place, the texts are magical formulas to be used by the spirit for its own benefit in the difficulties of the spirit life. These texts from the burial chambers are found in only a few graves, -- those of the very great, -- and their contents show us that they were intended only for people whose earthly position was exceptional.