Why did Egyptian think it was so important to spend up to 70 days preserving the body of a dead person?

The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife, where the deceased would need their bodies intact for their journey and existence beyond death. Preserving the body through mummification ensured that it would remain recognizable and functional in the next world, allowing the spirit, or ka, to reunite with it. This elaborate process also reflected cultural values around immortality, social status, and the belief in divine judgment. Ultimately, the preservation of the body was seen as essential for a successful transition to the afterlife.