Funeral Service Practice Exam

Which ancient culture practiced cremating the deceased on water with "grave goods"?

1. Greek

2. Roman

3. Viking

4. Egyptian

The correct answer is: Viking

The Viking culture is well-known for its unique funerary practices, particularly the cremation of the deceased on water, often referred to as 'ship burials.' In these ceremonies, the deceased was placed in a vessel, along with various grave goods—items such as weapons, jewelry, and tools meant to accompany them in the afterlife. This practice emphasized the Viking belief in an afterlife and the importance of sending the deceased off with items that would serve them in their journey beyond death. The Vikings utilized fire as a means of purification and as a ritual to honor the deceased. This method of cremation on water distinguished their customs from those of other ancient cultures, such as the Greeks or Romans, who had different burial practices. The Greeks often buried their dead in graves with grave goods, while the Romans had elaborate burial systems that typically involved inhumation rather than cremation. The Egyptians primarily practiced embalming and mummification, connecting their burial traditions to their beliefs in the afterlife and preservation rather than cremation. Thus, the unique practice of cremating the deceased on water with grave goods aligns specifically with Viking tradition.