Discovery helps scientists understand the prehistoric roots of human cremation

By Nell Greenfieldboyce

Published January 2, 2026 at 4:50 AM EST

Archaeologists say they've unexpectedly found a huge Stone Age cremation pyre in southern-central Africa. The discovery is helping them understand the history of cremation.

Nell Greenfieldboyce

Nell Greenfieldboyce is a NPR science correspondent.

See stories by Nell Greenfieldboyce

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