The ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia started burying their dead in around 5,000 BCE. According to some historians, Sumerians believed in an afterlife, and that the land of the dead was underneath the earth.

When did humans first start burying the dead?

The oldest known burial is thought to have taken place 130,000 years ago. Archeological evidence shows that Neanderthals practiced the burying of the dead. The dead during this era were buried along with tools and bones.

Who first buried their dead?

Evidence suggests that the Neanderthals were the first human species to practice burial behavior and intentionally bury their dead, doing so in shallow graves along with stone tools and animal bones. Exemplary sites include Shanidar in Iraq, Kebara Cave in Israel and Krapina in Croatia.