Ancient burial customs

Ancient burial customs varied across cultures but often reflected beliefs about the afterlife and respect for the deceased. Common practices included placing bodies in specific positions, using grave goods like tools or jewelry, and constructing elaborate tombs or cairns. Some cultures mummified bodies to preserve them, while others buried individuals beneath the ground or in caves. Rituals often involved offerings, prayers, or ceremonies intended to honor the dead and ensure their well-being in the afterlife. These customs reveal how ancient societies viewed death as a significant transition, emphasizing reverence, continuity, and spiritual beliefs.