History of Death Burial Customs and Funeral Rites, from the Ancient World to Modern Times

Every culture has found ways of living life differently, each has also found different and sometimes extraordinary ways to deal with dying and the effects that it has on the people left behind. This book examines the subject of death and burial in varied cultures, societies, and ages. Covering all periods in history and religions, the book also examines the differing approaches to funerals, whether solemn, celebratory, drunken, or even sexually promiscuous. It illuminates the combination between the earthly and spiritual in funeral rites, the practices of human sacrifice and ritual killing, as well as grieving, burial, cremation, remembrance, and the differing concepts of life after death. Includes 120 stunning photos and illustrations from death and funerary rituals.