Cremation started thousands of years ago, and families today often ask when, where, and why it began.

People researching funeral options want to know cremation’s origins, or when cremation was invented. History buffs might have questions like “When did cremation start?”

This article explains the origins of cremation, its role in ancient civilizations, the turning points that shaped its adoption, and why it has become a leading choice in the United States.

Want to know more about planning a cremation? Our team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427.

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The Origin of Cremation

Archaeological evidence shows cremation as early as 40,000 years ago in Australia. Organized cremation first appeared in the late Stone Age (Neolithic period), around 3000 B.C., in Europe and the Near East.

In Asia, ancient India practiced systematic cremation during the Vedic period, around 1500–1000 B.C., making it a central part of religious life.

Communities chose cremation as a meaningful way to deal with death, not as a random or accidental act. As time passed, northern European cultures adopted cremation.

By the late Stone Age, communities in parts of Europe practiced cremation, placing remains in decorative pottery urns. Archaeologists discovered such urns in Poland, where they provide tangible proof that cremation was a part of ritual, artistry, and cultural identity.

During the Bronze Age, cremation reached a turning point. People across the British Isles, Spain, and Portugal practiced it. In Hungary and northern Italy, communities built organized cemeteries specifically for cremated remains. 

These sites demonstrate that cremation had evolved into a structured tradition with its own burial grounds, rather than remaining a practical or spiritual response.

Its spread into northern Europe and Ireland highlights how deeply diverse cultures and geographies embraced the practice.

Cremation in Ancient Civilizations

By the later Mycenaean period (approximately 1600–1100 B.C.), cremation began to appear in Greece. The practice became more prominent toward the end of this era and into the subsequent Dark Ages (around 1100–800 B.C.).

Greeks wove cremation into elaborate burial customs, using it both practically and symbolically. It allowed for the swift handling of the dead on battlefields while also reflecting beliefs about purification and honor.

Early Romans practiced both burial and cremation from as early as the 10th–8th centuries B.C. Over time, cremation grew in prominence, particularly from the 3rd century B.C. during the Roman Republic.

By the height of the Roman Empire (27 B.C. to 395 A.D.), cremation had become so widespread that authorities issued decrees restricting the practice within city limits.

Romans often stored remains in ornate urns and placed them in communal columbarium-like structures that served both practical and social functions. These spaces fostered memory and reverence and reflected Rome’s deep commitment to honoring the dead.

Not all groups embraced cremation. Early Christians rejected it as a pagan practice and favored burial instead. Cremation continued in parts of Europe during the early Middle Ages, particularly among pagan communities, but gradually declined as Christianity spread.

Decline of Cremation in the Middle Ages

Cremation declined in Europe during the Middle Ages as Christianity became the dominant faith. They considered burial sacred and necessary to prepare for bodily resurrection.

Church leaders actively discouraged cremation, labeling it pagan or heretical. In-ground interment became the standard, with graveyards and church burials spreading across Europe.

By this time, cremation had nearly disappeared from mainstream practices in western societies.

When Did Cremation Become Popular Again?

Cremation returned to Europe in the late 19th century after centuries of absence. Advances in science and medicine shifted public opinion, as health experts warned that crowded cemeteries posed serious risks.

Reformers promoted cremation as a cleaner, safer, and more modern alternative for industrial cities.

In 1873, Professor Ludovico Brunetti of Italy unveiled a dependable cremation chamber at the Vienna Exposition, making the process efficient, controlled, and hygienic.

The following year, Queen Victoria’s surgeon, Sir Henry Thompson, declared cremation a public health necessity and helped found the Cremation Society of England.

By 1878, Europe had its first modern crematories in Woking, England, and Gotha, Germany. Once dismissed as outdated, cremation reemerged as a progressive and practical choice, marking a cultural and technological turning point.

When Did Cremation Start in America?

Two recorded instances of cremation took place in North America before 1800, but cremation in the United States began in 1876. That year, Dr. Julius LeMoyne built the first crematory in Washington, Pennsylvania, and ushered in a new era of funeral practices.

Momentum grew within a few years. In 1884, a second crematory opened in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, operated by a cremation society rather than a commercial business.

Protestant clergy who sought to reform burial customs and physicians who worried about the health risks of overcrowded cemeteries strongly championed the cause.

By the turn of the century, cremation had established itself in America’s urban centers. New crematories opened in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Los Angeles. By 1900, the country already had 20 crematories.

The movement grew enough that in 1913, Dr. Hugo Erichsen founded the Cremation Association of America to promote and organize it. That same year, 52 crematories operated nationwide and performed more than 10,000 cremations.

Numbers kept climbing throughout the 20th century. By 1975, the association, renamed the Cremation Association of North America, counted over 425 crematories and nearly 150,000 cremations annually. By the century’s end, cremation had become a mainstream option.

In 1999, the U.S. recorded over 600,000 cremations, which accounted for more than 25% of all deaths. The trend accelerated further in the 21st century. By 2019, over 3,000 crematories operated in the United States and performed more than 1.5 million cremations each year.

Today, more than half of Americans choose cremation, showing how far the practice has advanced since its reintroduction in the late 1800s.

Cremation in the U.S. Today

Cremation became widespread in the United States in the late 20th century and surpassed burial in 2016. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, more than 62% of funerals today involve cremation, compared to less than 4% in 1960.

This shift highlights how preferences have changed.

Regional differences remain. Cremation is most common in the West and Northeast, where religious diversity, urban living, and space constraints influence choices.

For families considering cremation, resources on cremation planning and cremation cost can help with practical decisions.

Why Cremation Is the Preferable Choice

Cremation is becoming a preferable choice for many families because it is affordable, flexible, and readily available.

Cremation has many benefits, including:

• Affordability: Cremation costs less than a traditional burial. Families avoid paying for cemetery plots, embalming, or expensive caskets. This makes it a practical choice for those prioritizing budget.
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• Flexibility: Cremation gives families time and options. You can keep the remains, scatter them, or use them to make keepsake jewelry. Families can schedule a memorial when loved ones can gather, reducing pressure to plan quickly.
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• Changing views: Religious and cultural perspectives on cremation have shifted. Many Christian communities now accept cremation, while secular and multi-faith families increasingly choose it as their standard.
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• Environmental and space considerations: Cremation requires less land and is more sustainable than burial in urban and densely populated areas. Families who value environmental responsibility often view cremation as the better option.

Learn more about prepaid cremations, direct cremation services, and prearrangement options to explore the best fit for your needs.

After’s Role in Today’s Cremation Options

After specializes in direct cremation, the most affordable and straightforward option for families. Direct cremation skips the costly extras of traditional funerals, focusing instead on dignified, practical arrangements.

Planning is simple and fully online. Families can see clear service options with transparent pricing, without unexpected fees. After’s nationwide coverage ensures support in every community.

This removes barriers that often made cremation costly or complicated in the past.

Plan a Simple, Affordable Cremation With After

We hope this article answers your questions about when cremation started, its history, and the evolution of cremation practices.

At After, we make cremation planning easy, whether you need immediate services or want to plan ahead. Families can arrange everything online or over the phone, avoiding in-person appointments that add stress during difficult times.

We design the process for affordability and privacy. By focusing on direct cremation, After helps families honor their loved ones without unnecessary costs or pressure.

Want to know more about cremation? The team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Civilizations Practiced Cremation Earliest?

The earliest civilizations to practice cremation were in the Stone Age, around 3000 B.C. Archaeological sites in Europe and Asia show organized funeral pyres and ashes preserved in urns.

Why Did Cremation Decline in the Middle Ages?

Cremation declined in the Middle Ages because Christianity promoted burial as preparation for resurrection. The church discouraged cremation, labeling it pagan or heretical.

When Did Cremation Become Popular Again?

Cremation became popular again in the late 19th century in Europe. Advances in science, public health concerns, and the invention of modern cremation chambers drove its resurgence.

What Year Did Cremation Start in America?

Cremation started in America in 1876. Baron De Palm was the first person cremated in the U.S., using a specially built chamber in Pennsylvania.

When Did Cremation Become More Common Than Burial?

Cremation became more common than burial in the 2010s. National statistics now show that most U.S. families choose cremation over traditional burial.

Does After Offer Direct Cremation Services?

Yes, After offers nationwide direct cremation services. Families can arrange everything online with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.