Final answer:
The Book of the Dead was the most significant piece of funerary literature during the Egyptian New Kingdom. It contained a series of spells and instructions for the deceased to navigate through the afterlife, reflecting a democratization of access to the divine. This period also saw a growth in monumental architectural structures, and the introduction of shabtis, funerary figures for the afterlife.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Egyptian New Kingdom saw the ultimate expression of Egyptian funerary literature in the Book of the Dead. This ancient text contained spells and instructions for the deceased to guide their journey through the afterlife. It was often found inscribed in tombs, including those belonging to average citizens, reflecting the democratization of access to the divine that was characteristic of this period.
An earlier work, the Prophecy of Neferty was circulated by New Kingdom pharaohs that foretold the rise of Amenemhat, who would bring an end to disorder and restore Egypt to prosperity. However, the Book of the Dead reflects the culmination of Egyptian funerary literature, with its in-depth exploration of the afterlife and the process of achieving eternal life.
The Egyptian New Kingdom was also a time of increased prosperity and population, enabling the construction of extensive monumental architectural structures, such as necropolises carved into cliff sides along the Nile. Funerary figures known as shabtis, designed to work for the deceased in the afterlife, began to appear frequently during this time.
Learn more about Egyptian Funerary Literature