The Book of the Dead was actually not a book at all, but a series of spells originally written on the sarcophagus and later collected and written on a scroll of papyrus that was placed in the sarcophagus.

Some of the spells were recited by Egyptian priests as they placed amulets and other items inside the bandages as the mummy was wrapped. Other spells were recited when the mummy was completely wrapped and ready for placement in its tomb.