Cultures throughout time have had a connection with the spiritual world. Many of these cultures were deeply fascinated by life and death. Additionally, these cultures also had beliefs relating to an afterlife. This fascination is found in the art, sculpture and architecture of these cultures. Many cultures of the ancient and classical periods were interested in death and preparation for the afterlife. One such culture that emphasized preparation for death was the culture of the Egyptians. This is seen in the planning that rulers and the wealthy put into preparing for their burial during their lifetime. For example, many, if not all, pharaohs would begin creating their burial site early in their tenure. This is best demonstrated by the pyramids of Giza in which the largest, built around 2560 BC for the pharaoh Khufu, took 10 to 20 years to complete and was 481 feet tall. Additionally, the Egyptians spent a lot of resources to ensure that burial processes were carried out correctly to ensure their entry into the afterlife. This process would include proper mummification, which involves wrapping the body with trinkets and valuables to bribe the guardians of the afterlife, and anointing the body with oils and perfumes. The burial chamber itself also had to be properly located with the items that the deceased would need to enjoy the afterlife, this would include things like boats and chariots for the wealthy and for the lower classes these items would include bowls and other everyday objects. The most or at least one of the most important piece was the inscription of the book of the dead or the book of Duat, this is the name of the earth...... middle of paper...... seller to obtain, from Ostia, Italy, second half of the 2nd century CE. Painted terracotta, which simply shows what would be a common occurrence in Roman life. Also, unlike most previous plays, it shows a middle-class man, unlike most other plays which usually show military leaders or powerful upper-class political leaders. Cultures throughout history have embraced both life and death and expressed them in their art. This art has been used in many ways, from guiding the recently deceased to the afterlife to depicting the great achievements of the general and leader. Additionally, this art also depicted ordinary people performing tasks considered mundane and mundane during that time. These works of art and architecture that involve life, death and the afterlife provide an understanding of both daily life and the spiritual beliefs of a culture..