Final answer:
The ancient Egyptians developed mummification to preserve bodies for the afterlife, involving removal of organs and wrapping the body, placed in a stone coffin within a tomb. Significant to this practice were the spiritual beliefs in the Ka and Ba, which necessitated the body's preservation. Grave goods and Ushabti figures were also included for the deceased's use in the afterlife.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient Egyptians practiced mummification as a method to preserve the dead for the afterlife. During this process, the body was embalmed, dried with salts, and wrapped in linen. Notably, the Egyptians removed the deceased’s internal organs and placed them into canopic jars, except for the heart, which was believed to be the embodiment of the soul. The body would then be placed inside a stone coffin, often within a tomb like a pyramid which served as the final resting place for pharaohs and was considered essential for the spirits like Ka and Ba to survive.
The Egyptians also included in their tombs grave goods, small models of slaves, animals, and objects, and later Ushabti figures, which were believed to serve the deceased in the afterlife. The practice and belief system surrounding mummification reflect the intricate relationship the Egyptians had with death, the afterlife, and their pantheon of gods.