ABSTRACT
IT is our task in this chapter to consider those aspects o f the ancient cult o f the dead which have left traces in the archaeological record, and to try to interpret those traces in the light o f a wider study o f the sepul chral aspects o f early religions, anthropology, and survivals in folklore. It is one o f the most difficult and also one o f the most fascinating tasks that the archaeologist has to perform. For all periods except the Bronze Age the evidence hardly occurs in sufficient quantity to justify any firm conclusions; but for the Early and Middle Bronze Age the archaeo logical record is comprehensive.
