How We Got Rid of the Bodies: A History of Human Practices for Disposing of the Dead Throughout Civilization

What do we do with the bodies? It's humanity's oldest, most universal dilemma. From the first deliberate burials of our ancient ancestors to the high-tech solutions of the modern age, every society has grappled with the question of how to dispose of its dead. This captivating book takes readers on an extraordinary global and historical tour, revealing how our funerary practices are a complex mirror reflecting our deepest beliefs about life, death, the afterlife, and our place in the universe. It's a story shaped by everything from basic sanitation and fear of vengeful spirits to profound sentiment and the pursuit of social status.

Journey from prehistoric "dirt naps" and the elaborate mummification rituals of ancient Egypt to the fiery pyres of Greece and Rome, the curious sky burials of Tibet, and the majestic ship burials of the Vikings. Explore how Christianity transformed the landscape of death with the rise of the cemetery, delve into the strange business of saints' relics, and witness the grim realities of plague pits and mass graves. The book also examines the Victorian era's "mourning sickness," the birth of the modern funeral industry, and the resurgence of cremation.

But the journey doesn't end there. Discover the cutting-edge innovations redefining our final farewells: from ashes transformed into diamonds and coral reefs, to eco-conscious green burials and human composting. Explore the icy hope of cryonics, the celestial ambition of space burials, and the surprising rise of vertical cemeteries in crowded cities. Finally, confront the challenges of managing our "digital ghost" in the online afterlife and ponder the future of funerals-celebrations that are actually fun. This is an unparalleled exploration of humanity's inventive, bizarre, and often beautiful ways of saying goodbye, revealing profound insights into what it means to be human.