Why people preserve dead bodies?

Answer 1

They did this so that the bodies wouldn't dry up and rot away.

Answer 2

because they believed that they would again come to life after some hundreds of years and at that time they would need to locate their bodies.

Answer 3

Had to in order for the person to be physicaly intract to the under wourld

Answer 4

It is not important to do so unless your beliefs require it.

Answer 5

In ancient times - and especially in Egypt - people believed that after death the soul left the body, but had to be able to recognize it to return.