--- title: Die Like an Egyptian: How to Reach the Field of Reeds (Aaru): An Afterlife Guide from New Kingdom Egypt (c. 1550-1069 BCE) author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22164/die-like-an-egyptian-how-to-reach-the-field-of-ree/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2026-09-25 --- # Die Like an Egyptian: How to Reach the Field of Reeds (Aaru): An Afterlife Guide from New Kingdom Egypt (c. 1550-1069 BCE) _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Die Like an Egyptian: How to Reach the Field of Reeds (Aaru): An Afterlife Guide from New Kingdom Egypt (c. 1550-1069 BCE)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/22164.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/22164.png) ## Image Caption Ancient [Egyptian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Egyptian/) beliefs about the afterlife centered on the idea that [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) marked the beginning of a spiritual journey rather than the end of existence. During the [New Kingdom](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/New_Kingdom/) (c. 1550–1069 BCE), funerary texts such as the *[Book of the Dead](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Book_of_the_Dead/)* described how the deceased navigated the Duat, overcame supernatural obstacles through ritual knowledge, and ultimately faced judgement before [Osiris](https://www.worldhistory.org/osiris/). Proper [burial](https://www.worldhistory.org/burial/), mummification, and sacred rituals were believed to preserve the body and prepare the individual for eternal life. The culmination of this journey was the Weighing of the Heart, in which [Anubis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Anubis/) balanced the deceased's heart against the Feather of [Ma'at](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ma'at/), representing truth, justice, and cosmic order. Those judged "True of Voice" entered the [Field of Reeds](https://www.worldhistory.org/Field_of_Reeds/) (Aaru), an idealized vision of eternal [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/), while those who failed risked the Second Death when Ammit devoured their heart. These beliefs reveal the close relationship between [religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/religion/), morality, kingship, and concepts of cosmic balance in ancient Egyptian [civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/civilization/). #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2026, September 25). Die Like an Egyptian: How to Reach the Field of Reeds (Aaru): An Afterlife Guide from New Kingdom Egypt (c. 1550-1069 BCE). *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Die Like an Egyptian: How to Reach the Field of Reeds (Aaru): An Afterlife Guide from New Kingdom Egypt (c. 1550-1069 BCE)." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 25, 2026. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Die Like an Egyptian: How to Reach the Field of Reeds (Aaru): An Afterlife Guide from New Kingdom Egypt (c. 1550-1069 BCE)." *World History Encyclopedia*, 25 Sep 2026, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 25 September 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.