Which of the following is NOT listed as a purpose of Egyptian tombs?

• A. protect the body (preserve the Ka and Ba)
• B. provide for the afterlife: they were stocked with food, drink, clothing, etc.
• C. ensure resurrection through magic and ritual
• D. house the living relatives

Answer: (D)

Tombs in ancient Egypt are built around the idea of securing the dead's existence in the afterlife. They are designed to protect the body so the soul—the Ka and Ba—can recognize and reunite with it, keeping the person intact for the next world. They also house offerings—food, drink, clothing, and magical objects—so the deceased can sustain themselves in the afterlife. Rituals and magical spells are included to guide and empower the deceased, aiming for a successful journey and resurrection into a continued existence beyond death. The notion of housing living relatives doesn’t fit these goals, since the tomb’s purpose is to support the deceased, not to serve as living space. Families might visit and perform rites to honor the dead, but the tomb itself is fundamentally about preservation, sustenance, and a facilitated afterlife for the deceased.