Michelle Ann Flores Martinez

HUMA 1301

December 12, 2023

Explain the "Last Judgement" that Egyptians experienced after dying. Egyptians weighed the departed
person's heart to determine whether they would go to paradise or hell after death. Why? Egyptian's
heart was measured against a goddess' feather since it recorded all of the deceased's life's deeds. Could
you please clarify this procedure?

According to ancient Egyptian religion, the "Last Judgement" was a significant event that occurred in the
afterlife to decide the destiny of the departed. The Hall of Ma'at was the site of the ritual for weighing
the heart, which was an important part of the underworld voyage. The heart was considered to hold a
record of a person's deeds and moral character throughout their earthly existence as it was regarded to
be the location of the soul and intellect.

The heart of the deceased was put on one side of a scale in this elaborate rite, while the feather of
Ma'at, which stands for justice, truth, and balance, was placed on the other. For the Egyptians, the
cosmic harmony and order that ought to rule the earth were represented by the goddess Ma'at. The
objective was for the heart and feather to be perfectly balanced; this would indicate that the person has
lived a moral life in line with Ma'at's precepts.

Anubis, the deity of embalming and the afterlife, oversaw the weighing of the heart. The outcomes of
the judgment were recorded by the god of knowledge, Thoth. If the heart was discovered to be lighter
than the feather, it meant that the individual had followed Ma'at's teachings and led a moral life. In this
instance, it was decided that the soul was deserving of entry into the happy afterlife, symbolized by the
Field of Reeds, or "Aaru," where they would live in perpetual pleasure.

If the heart was smaller than the feather, it indicated that the person had followed ma'at throughout
their lifetime and was thus accepted into the happy afterlife. The fierce goddess Ammit, who has the
head of a crocodile, the front legs of a lion, and the hind legs of a hippopotamus, would devour the soul
if the heart was heavier as a result of wrongdoing or moral transgressions. This was indicative of a
departure from ma'at.

A fundamental component of the Egyptians' complex conception of the afterlife, the weighing of the
heart against the feather in the Hall of Ma'at symbolized their deep conviction in moral responsibility,
justice, and the everlasting repercussions of one's deeds.
Make a comparison and contrast between Egyptian culture and values and Huastecos culture.

Huasteco and Egyptian cultures are two separate societies, each with its own distinctive traits, yet they
are similar in that they both value spirituality and the afterlife. Now let us examine the areas of contrast
and comparison:

Comparing Egyptian and Huasteco societies in Terms of Spirituality and Afterlife: Both ancient Egyptian
and Huasteco societies were deeply spiritual and practiced complex afterlife rites. Ancient Egyptian
religious rituals were heavily reliant on the belief in a hereafter, and the elaborate process of
mummification was designed to preserve the corpse for the hereafter. One's destiny in the hereafter
was decided by the ceremonial of the weighing of the heart.

Huasteco Culture: The indigenous Huastecos of Mexico also had deeply held beliefs in the afterlife. Their
customs often included rites and ceremonies to pay respect to their ancestors and guarantee a peaceful
journey to the afterlife. In all societies, the idea of life after death was very important.

Contrast: Temporal and Geographical Setting

Egyptian Culture: The dynasty eras, which lasted for thousands of years, were the pinnacle of ancient
Egyptian civilization, which grew around the Nile River in northern Africa. The pyramids and the Sphinx
are among the magnificent constructions that the Egyptians left behind, greatly influencing global
history and culture.

Huasteco Culture: In contrast, the Huasteco civilization originated in Mexico's eastern lowlands, mainly
in the present-day states of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, and Veracruz. Their distinctive music, art, and
ceremonial centers, which represent the Mesoamerican cultural domain, define their cultural heritage.

Comparative Analysis of Creative Expressions

Egyptian Culture: Through creative achievements, both civilizations conveyed their values and beliefs.
Ancient Egyptian tombs and temples were decorated with elaborate hieroglyphics, while sculptures and
paintings portrayed pharaohs, gods, and everyday situations. Their focus on permanence and the divine
was mirrored in the majesty of their monumental architecture.

Huasteco Culture: Through paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, the Huastecos displayed their creative
expressions. They often portrayed gods, mythical creatures, and events from their worldview in their
artwork. The Huastec civilization's cultural sophistication was shown by ceremonial places such as
Tamtoc.

In contrast: Cultural Factors

Egyptian Culture: Egypt's lengthy and ongoing history, which included interactions with other
civilizations like Mesopotamia, had a significant impact on the country. Cultural continuity made it
possible for intricate organizations, colossal buildings, and an advanced writing system to emerge.

Huasteco Culture: The Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations were among the larger Mesoamerican
cultural context in which the Huastecos existed. The Huastecos stood out in the varied Mesoamerican
terrain because to their own creative forms and spiritual traditions, even if they shared many cultural
characteristics.

In conclusion, the Egyptian and Huasteco cultures both showed signs of having a strong connection to
the spiritual world and the afterlife, but they differed greatly in their geographic settings, creative
manifestations, and cultural influences, leading to the creation of diverse civilizations that made
significant contributions to the history of humanity.