Final answer:
The ancient Egyptians practiced embalming because they believed they would need their bodies in the afterlife for their souls to reside in.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient Egyptians practiced embalming because they believed they would need their bodies in the afterlife. They believed that the soul needed a preserved body to use as a vessel in the afterlife, and so they mummified their dead. This process involved removing organs, treating the body with preservatives, and wrapping it in linen bandages.
Learn more about Ancient Egyptian embalming practices