In prehistoric times man buried his dead near where he lived. The deceased possessions that he had use most frequently during his life, such as his axe and knife, were buried with him and enough food was placed beside his body to see him through to the next world. This suggests that man believed in a continued life after death.

Towards the end of the Stone Age it became the practice to bury the dead in caves which were not inhabited. These caves were sealed off with boulders to assure the deceased undisturbed peace. Collective burial grounds date from this period. These were the first graveyards and they were treated with great respect. The appearance of these cemeteries was a sign of an important social change and the development of religion.