The "Book of the Dead" is an ancient Egyptian funerary text, consisting of a collection of spells and prayers designed to assist the deceased in navigating the afterlife. It was typically written on papyrus and placed in tombs, serving as a guide for the soul to achieve a successful journey to the Field of Reeds, a paradise in the afterlife. This text evolved over time, with various versions and illustrations reflecting the beliefs and practices of different periods in ancient Egypt. Key themes include the judgment of the soul by Osiris, the god of the afterlife, and the importance of moral conduct during one's life.