When I was a young girl I read of the greatness of ancient civilizations as part of my history class requirements. One that caught my interest is that of Egypt. One,because the Bible speaks much of this country. Two ,it had the pyramid which up to now fascinates people with its excellent workmanship. Lastly, of it's mummies. 
Mummification is a style of embalming Egyptian are known for. As I peruse the cadaver
preserved for many centuries I can't help imagine the tedious process behind the science. 
In modern times, just how much could it cost? And of it was an option how many people would have opted to be buried in such fashion together with their precious belongings in a hermetically sealed coffins. 
Also, I can't help think if this was for the royalties what about the underprivileged? What becomes of slaves and freeman mortal remains. Will they be buried in such fashion as well devoid of material wealth to take with them on their next journey? 
From the distance one can say that no two coffins are alike.Their artistry and their antiquity made them attractive to so many burial theives .The folklore of them bringing curse to looters make sense . But even these grimly horror stories never deter those who desire wealth from at the cost of cultural and spiritual interest.
How they lived is extravagant indeed. But that's nothing compared to how they die. They being buried in pyramids that takes huge financial resources along with thousands slaves toiling under extreme heat anyone would be quick to assume that the these ruling class was nothing but spoiled .
However I beg to disagree. Maybe the desire to be with the Gods is innate in all of us humans. Same is true with out thirst to be immortal .Man had been intrigued by the possibility of defying death that stories of vampires, witches ,zombies, and mummies had sparked the genius of various artist.
My take, as much as these mummies carry with them stories of their times that are beneficial to us still I opt to be be cremated with my ashes spread in places close to my heart than an offshore museum .
I understand that as much as we cling to this life at one point we would have to let go of it.