The ancient culture that practiced mummification as a means of preparing their dead for the afterlife was ancient Egypt. They believed in an afterlife where the soul would require its body, thus mummification was essential. This process involved the embalming of the body and surrounding it with various items thought to be needed in the afterlife. Mummification was often a lengthy and religiously significant procedure, closely tied to their beliefs in gods and the importance of the afterlife. The preservation of the body was considered critical to achieving immortality and a peaceful existence after death.