The ancient Egyptians believed that the Nile - their source of life - was a divine gift. Religion and magic permeated their civilized world, and this book provides a unique insight into their religious beliefs and practices, from 5000 BC to the 4th century AD, when Egyptian Christianity replaced older customs. Arranged chronologically, the book offers an interesting introduction to the world of demigods and gods with human and vivid form; death rituals, the afterlife, and mummification; the worship of sacred animals, pyramids, magic, and medicine. An appendix contains translations of ancient Egyptian spells.