>Archaeologists have uncovered 8,000-year-old cremation urns from the Neolithic Age. This is probably the first crematorium found that dates back to the Neolithic Period. The following excerpt from the news report describes some of the contents of the cremation urns:

In ancient times, most funerals were held by simply burying (inhumation) or by burning the body (cremation). After cremation the ashes are usually put in ceramic urns or small stone containers, known as “larnax”.

The clothes and jewelry of the deceased were put in containers alongside the urn along with other possible items. For instance, if the deceased was killed by an arrow, the arrow would be included as well. The known forms of cremation in Anatolian Archaeology were seen in the early Bronze Age, but this type of burial was uncommon at Neolithic age excavations that date back 8,000 years.

Inside the urns, ashes wrapped in cloth, daily used dishes and the private belongings of the deceased were found. One urn found contained the skeleton of a baby. Experts said it was very likely this area was a burial site. The theory constructed for previous findings, that they may have been moved to this location by movements of a stream bed is no longer viable.

Read the story by clicking here.

Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

Tags: Anatolia, Archaeology, Cremation, Turkey

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