Unearthing the Origins of Human Burial Practices
The earliest evidence of deliberate human burials dates back to the Middle Paleolithic period, around 120,000 years ago. These early burials were found in caves and involved placing the bodies in death postures, accompanied by human objects. While the origins of burial practices are not fully understood, it is believed that ancient humans sought to dispose of corpses to avoid the unpleasant process of decay and its associated risks. Burial practices varied over time and by region, with cremation burials appearing much later in human history.