Who believed that offerings to the dead, such as food and prayers, were important for keeping the soul happy?

The belief that offerings to the dead were important for keeping the soul happy is most closely associated with the Ancient Egyptians. They held a strong conviction that food, prayers, and various offerings were crucial in ensuring the well-being of the deceased in the afterlife. This practice stemmed from their view of the afterlife, where the soul of the deceased would need sustenance and spiritual support.

In Ancient Egypt, elaborate burial rites and offerings were customary, reflecting their belief in an afterlife that necessitated continued care for the deceased. They would leave offerings in tombs or at funerary temples, believing these would be beneficial to the dead in their journey through the afterlife.

While the Ancient Romans and other cultures also performed rituals involving offerings to the dead, they did not have as detailed a theological framework regarding the afterlife as the Egyptians did. The Ancient Romans, for instance, did venerate their ancestors and make offerings, but the depth and elaboration of these beliefs were not as pronounced as in Egyptian culture.

Therefore, the focus on keeping the soul happy through tangible offerings to aid it in the afterlife aligns best with the practices of the Ancient Egyptians.