The Egyptian Book of the Dead According to the latest archaelogical findings, the Egyptian Book of the Dead was written and painted about 3500 years ago. It is basically a collection of spells or chapters that were placed with the dead people to help their spirits to pass through the dangers of the underworld in ancient Egypt. The book was originally called The Book of the C... more »oming Forth by Day, meaning the freedom obtained by spirits in coming and going in the afterlife.« less