
When did we start burying our dead?
Try 3 issues of BBC Science Focus Magazine for £5!
The act of burying the dead can be traced back to the Neanderthals but when did ritual human burials start?
Asked by: Richard Powell, Leatherhead
Advertisement
We can’t be sure, although the oldest known burial took place about 130,000 years ago. Burying the dead is perhaps the earliest form of religious practice and suggests people were concerned about what happens after death. There’s evidence that Neanderthals buried their dead along with tools and bones.
Read more:
- Could the Black Death happen again?
- What is the current death/birth rate ratio in the world per year?
Advertisement
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sponsored Deals

Subscription offers you will love!
- Spread the cost and pay just £3.50 per issue when you subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine.
- Alternatively, lock in for longer and pay just £37.99 per year, saving 51%!
- Risk - free offer! Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit.
- FREE UK delivery.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Advertisement