Amduat

The Amduat (also known as the Book of the Hidden Chamber or Book of What is in the Underworld) is an important ancient Egyptian funerary text of the New Kingdom. It describes the journey of the sun god Ra through the underworld, from sunset until sunrise.

The text is divided into twelve "hours" or sections, representing the twelve hours of the night. Each hour depicts a different stage of Ra's journey, detailing the obstacles he faces, the creatures he encounters (both benevolent and malevolent), and the deities who assist him. Ra travels through a subterranean river, battling monsters and demons, and ultimately overcoming death and darkness to be reborn at dawn.

The Amduat served as a guide for deceased pharaohs and other members of the elite, providing them with knowledge of the underworld's dangers and the correct spells and rituals to navigate it successfully. By identifying with Ra, the deceased hoped to achieve rebirth and immortality in the afterlife.

The text is often found inscribed on the walls of royal tombs, particularly those in the Valley of the Kings. Notable examples include the tombs of Thutmose III, Amenhotep II, and Tutankhamun. The Amduat is a valuable source of information about ancient Egyptian beliefs concerning death, the afterlife, and the cyclical nature of time. It reflects the importance of solar mythology and the pharaoh's role in maintaining cosmic order.