(I) According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, having a well-preserved dead body was very important in order to ensure a blissful afterlife. (II) For this reason, one of the most elaborate burial customs that was practised by the Egyptians was the act of mummification; that is, the preservation of a dead body by using several substances. (Ill) After a few preliminary steps, the body would be thoroughly dried out by the heat of the sand which eliminated all fungi and bacteria from the body, thus making it immune to decay. (IV) Grave robbery has been very popular, because the dead were buried along with many valuable items. (V) However, it was reserved for the richest and most powerful in Egyptian society for the process was long and expensive.