funeral pyre

A funeral pyre is a combustible heap used for burning a dead body as part of a funeral rite. This practice, known as cremation, has ancient origins, with the Greeks adopting it around 1000 BCE. Cremation was seen as a way to honor fallen soldiers and heroes, with elaborate pyres built for significant figures.123

While cremation became a status symbol for some, its prevalence declined with the spread of Christianity, which favored burial. However, cremation saw a revival in the 19th century and is now a common practice in many parts of the world. Modern cremation uses intense heat in a chamber, transforming the body into ashes.3