Shallow graves, Egypt's pre-dynastic people

European Museums, The British Museum

---

Egypt's pre-dynastic people buried their dead in shallow graves

In the time before the pharaohs, the Predynastic people living in Upper Egypt buried their dead at the desert's edge. The shallow graves were often lined with reed mats, arranged like bedding. The deceased were laid out in a flexed position, usually on their left side. They faced west, towards the land of the dead, where they would be reborn. Covered with linen, animal skins or matting, they were supplied with necessities for the afterlife, especially pottery to hold and serve food. With time, wood lining and mud bricks were introduced. These provided more protection for graves and the increasing number of objects they contained. Gradually, the tomb was transformed from a bed into a house for eternity.

---

Egypt's pre-dynastic people buried their dead in shallow graves

---

Source:  London, United Kingdom