Abstract

In Ancient Egyptian tombs, processes associated with sympathetic magic acted as a direct catalyst for resurrection. Sympathetic magic, defined as an action, object or depiction whose effect resembles its cause, is reflected in royal tombs constructed during Egypt‟s New Kingdom (1550-1069 BCE) in the Valley of the Kings. However, sympathetic magic has rarely been applied to Ancient Egyptian topics in an explicit fashion. As a result, the tombs of Amenhotep III (KV22), Seti I (KV17) and Ramesses IX (KV6) are analyzed as case studies of this phenomenon. Change and continuity evident in each tomb‟s architectural structure, decoration, and physical burial are linked to change and continuity in Egyptian religious beliefs during the New Kingdom. Further, the case studies show how the Egyptians designed their burial practices to gain control over their immortality. Such case studies allow for narrowly focused research in a discipline that often emphasizes a broad overview of the Valley.