Understanding Osiris and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
6 questions
~12 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different interpretations of Osiris and the significance of the afterlife in Ancient Egypt. Students will analyze historian perspectives and evaluate their arguments.

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Understanding Osiris and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Interpretations of Osiris and the Afterlife

Historian A: James Allen – Religious Perspective

'Allen emphasizes the centrality of Osiris in Egyptian religion as a symbol of death and rebirth. He argues that the myth of Osiris reflects the Egyptians' strong belief in life after death. According to Allen, the rituals and tomb practices were designed to ensure safe passage into the afterlife, highlighting Osiris's role as judge of the dead and symbol of eternal life.'

Historian B: Susan Carter – Socio-economic Perspective

'Carter argues that the worship of Osiris was also driven by socio-economic factors. She suggests that the priesthood of Osiris gained significant power and wealth through rituals and temple offerings. To her, the emphasis on the afterlife served to reinforce social hierarchy and control, with the priestly class benefiting from people's religious beliefs.'

1.
Summarize each historian's view on Osiris and the afterlife.
[3 marks]
2.
Explain why these two historians' interpretations of Osiris differ.
[4 marks]
3.
Analyse which interpretation you find more convincing and explain why.
[6 marks]
4.
Outline how the worship of Osiris might have been used to support social hierarchy in ancient Egypt.
[3 marks]
5.
Compare the importance of Osiris in religious beliefs with its role in Egyptian society according to the two historians.
[6 marks]
6.
Describe the kinds of evidence each historian might use to support their interpretation.
[3 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet