Phoenix Cremation | History

Phoenix cremation services at Mountain View Funeral Home are becoming an exceedingly popular choice for burial when a loved one passes. While traditional ground burial has been a predominant practice for centuries, the history of cremation can be traced back into ancient times.

In the Mycenaean Age—circa 1000 B.C., for example, cremation became an integral part of the elaborate Grecian burial custom. It actually became a dominant mode of disposition by 800 B.C. and was encouraged for health reasons as well as for the quick burial of slain warriors.

The Romans followed the Grecian trend of cremation sometime around 600 B.C. Even though it was becoming more common, it was not well received among the Roman hierarchy. In fact, an official decree was issued in the mid-5^th Century against the cremation of bodies within the city of Rome.

As the Roman Empire came into being during 27 B.C. – 395 A.D., cremation was widely practiced. Cremated remains were typically stored in elaborate urns, often within buildings that were similar to the columbariums we have at Mountain View. But, at this time, cremation was still frowned upon by certain cultures and religions, including both Christians and Jews.

When Constantine ruled the Roman Empire, at around 400 A.D., earth burial had mostly replaced cremation as a burial option. Cremation was usually only practiced in rare instances of plague or war. Ground burial remained as the preferred mode of disposition throughout Europe for the next 1,500 years.

The modern tradition of cremation, like our current Phoenix cremation, began just a little over a century ago. A new, dependable chamber was developed in 1873. This invention spawned the creation movement on both sides of the Atlantic.

In North America, the first crematory was built in Washington, Pennsylvania in 1876, followed by one that later opened in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1884. The practice of cremation was encouraged by Protestant clergy who wanted to reform burial practices, as well as those in the medical profession who were concerned with health conditions in early cemeteries.

Today, the practice of cremation has been widely accepted among our society as a viable option for the disposition of human remains. Although some traditions and faiths still prefer traditional ground burial, many people are opting for cremation.

Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery offers both traditional ground burial and Phoenix cremation options. Should you choose Phoenix cremation, we have our own crematory on our premises, so you know that your loved one will be cared for properly. We also offer a variety of cremation urns, as well as burial niches. We invite you to contact us if you have any questions about Phoenix cremation.