Abstract
This paper examines how ancient civilizations viewed death. It focuses on the ancient Egyptians and their burial and funerary customs. The writer discusses their beliefs about death and the transition to the afterlife. Since death was such an important transition, the paper describes the extensive preparations that were ritualistically adhered to by the ancient people for their kings and royalty. The elaborate architecture of the mausoleums and burial chambers created for the dead is also discussed.

From the Paper
"The planning and designing of these tombs were very complex. In order to protect the pharaoh after death, the Egyptians toiled for years and even decades building pyramids with mazes and secret doors that sometimes led to dead-end passages (Pyramids). The pharaoh's coffin and actual resting place was near the bottom or underground. The elaborate tomb contained many of the pharaoh's personal items, such as furniture, jewelry, statues, pottery, and other items that he might need in his next life. Clothes, ointments, and offerings of food also accompanied the deceased into the afterlife."

Tags:Egypt, funerals, archaeological, afterlife, religious, chambers, hieroglyph

Abstract
This paper traces the history of funerals and burials in the Catholic Church. There has not been many changes in the standard practices but the Church allowed cremation of the body in 1963 which was one practice strictly forbidden in early times.

From the Paper
"The practice of burying the body among Catholics is as old as the faith itself. Catholic church did not permit cremation and burial of the body was the only practiced ritual in funerals, it was believed that cremation of the body was against the catholic beliefs. Since Catholics firmly believe in the Resurrection of the body, they did not allow the body to be burnt and then its ashes later buried or dispersed in the air. The Church strictly forbade this practice and even after the ban was lifted in 1963, most Catholics do not believe in cremation."

Tags:Resurrection, cremating, Christ, Jews, Greeks, Romans, body, death, life

Abstract
In this paper, the burial traditions of afterlife are analyzed within Homer's 'The Iliad' to reveal the nature of Greek death. Clearly, without understanding the afterlife, one cannot understand burial rites and the central reasons why the migration of the soul was a bodily and spiritual process. The writer discusses that this mythic and literary aspect of death in Homer's text brings forth the reluctance and ire of all men to have to be sent to Hades, regardless of the heroic traits they possessed.

Tags:homer, burial, death

Abstract
This paper examines the recurring theme of premature burial in three of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories: "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Premature Burial" and "The Cask of Amontillado."

From the Paper
"Edgar Allan Poe's short stories and poems are marked by dark and morbid mood as he is largely considered the father of the psychological thriller and detective story. This macabre tone is perhaps best evident in the works that feature premature burial. Indeed several of Poe's stories including "The Premature Burial," "The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Fall of the House of Usher" feature characters that all confront the undeniable terror of being buried alive."

Tags:premature, burial, poe, buried, alive, usher, amontillado

Abstract
A paper which introduces and discusses the burial practices of ancient Egyptians. Specifically, it looks at burial practices for rulers, common people and their belief in the afterlife. It also shows the practice of mummification and entertainment at burial feasts.

From the Paper
"After the funeral ceremony, participants would enjoy a great feast in celebration of the dead, with entertainment provided by singers and dancers. During the banquet, the body would be placed inside the final resting place in the tomb, and the footprints of the participants would all be wiped away from the sand. Now, the deceased's soul could finally return to the body, and the deceased could go on to the afterlife. A "Book of the Dead" was also buried with the mummy, to instruct the deceased how to cope with various conditions during the afterlife."

Tags:tombs, Nile, 'opening, of, the, mouth', funeral

Abstract
This paper examines the cultural significance of burial sites to Native Americans, further discussing numerous conflicts that have arisen over this issue. First, the paper introduces a basic history of the relationship between Native Americans and Europeans in America. Then, it covers the various conflicts that have occurred over land, particularly Native American burial grounds. One case of a dam being built over an ancient cemetery is noted. Various solutions to these claims are discussed, including monetary compensation or returning the land rights to the Native American tribe.

From the Paper
"The authorities have basically come to an ethical dilemma, since they would normally have to risk having a flood and an important loss of energy in the area for the native tribe to get their territory back. Having been ignored and humiliated for centuries, the natives are clearly determined to fight for their rights. On the other side, any sane person would come to the conclusion that the ancient burial site is of lesser importance than the dam and the benefits provided by it. Furthermore, there is a possibility for the very native reservation to be threatened by the releasing of the water in the dam.
"All things considered, it would only be logical for the authorities to ignore the demands made by the native tribe. However, if they would do so, they would only continue a history of Native American oppression. The matter requires careful analysis in order for a conclusion to be made. Legality comes in divergence with logics in this topic, as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act."

Tags:Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Manifest Destiny, cemeteries

Abstract
In 1939, at a private estate in southeastern Suffolk, the remains of a ship-burial that occurred sometime in the middle of the seventh century was uncovered. This paper looks at how the burial-ship had never been to sea, but reflected an old Scandinavian custom of setting the dead hero or king afloat, surrounded with treasures and how it became one the most famous and sophisticated excavations of the twentieth century.

From the Paper
"From consideration of the effects found in the burial ship, it is obvious that the Anglo-Saxons had developed a sophisticated culture. The workmanship of the gold objects found is of very high degree, and other objects, such as a small harp, signify that music and poetry held a favored position in the court life of the times. In addition there are many items of solid gold and silver, gold and silver coins (which were useful in determining the date of the burial), and the other objects that imply a high level of material wealth. The presence of Christian objects (and the absence of a body) implies that the pagan customs were rapidly being superseded by Christian beliefs."

Tags:anglo-saxon, scandinavia, treasures

Abstract
The paper shows how both Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" and Heaney's "Burial at Thebes" revolve around themes of betrayal of family members. The paper points out the element of introspection in both plays and also notes that both plays demand that attention be paid to human actions. The paper explains, however, that the perspectives are very different; "Oedipus Rex" requires humans to respect the gods, but the more modern "Burial at Thebes" requires that humans respect each other.

From the Paper
"The dramatic tragedies of Ancient Greece represent some of the most important and profound stories of Western Civilization. They have been retold many times over the millennia since the myths were first told, sometimes in very direct adaptations that retain much of the original story and intent of the earliest version, and often in new contexts and in almost unrecognizable forms. Seamus Heaney did not go this far in Burial at Thebes, his adaptation of Sophocles' Antigone, but his own interpretation of the classic (literally) story of Oedipus and the fallout of his tragic reign is still an intriguing and obviously modern telling of the story. Without changing any of the elements of the plot of this well known and often adapted story, Heaney manages to shift the focus and the themes of the play just slightly in order to enhance the plays relevance--already apparent in the original form--in these modern times. At times he takes certain liberties with the translation and adaptation, proving that art is never dead but rather that it must breathe, grow, and adapt along with the times that produce and view it."

Tags:Greeks, betrayal, introspection, gods, independence

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that as more and more time is spent on excavating and preserving lesser known Native-American sites, archaeologists are uncovering much older and unconventional historical sites. The writer points out that Native-American burial sites continue to pop up around the country as more and more of the land is continually developed. These sites are providing a much clearer picture of the ancient residents of the United States. The writer discusses that thanks to the work of archaeologists nationwide, these ancient cultures are being preserved through their links with modern day tribes, who are now able to explore their past further. Modern archeology has played a primary role in the discovery, but more importantly the preservation, of Native-American sacred burial sites. The writer concludes that by preserving these sacred sites, we are keeping a culture alive which was almost forgotten; a culture which predates European dominance in the Americas.

From the Paper
"Minnesota legislation also protects sites from removal of any material content from protected lands. Any failures to obey such legislation can result in criminal felony charges. The State Archeologist at the Minnesota Historical Society is in charge of excavating and authenticating possible burial sites, showing archaeology's importance in creating and maintaining legislation involving ancient historical sites.
"Many people wonder why the Federal Government and State authorities should spend effort to protect these sites. First, these sites provide crucial details about the American past. They also provide links to modern day Native American cultures."

Tags:historical, tribes, sacred, archaeology

Abstract
This paper presents an overview on the burial rituals of the ancient Egyptians. Mummy processes, the purpose for the process and their belief in the afterlife are all detailed.