For centuries, the cruel industry decimated entire whale species—and claimed countless human lives. Whalers arrived prepared for their own deaths.

First found at the ancient fortress of Tell el-Retaba, child burials in ceramic jars perplexed early archaeologists.

For centuries, the Beothuk people relied on seabirds to survive—and likely to find their way to the afterlife.

The quintessential Roman spectacle, originally a way to honor the dead, was not Roman in origin.

To enter the realm of Osiris, the dead had to complete a long to-do list—and face a terrifying devourer of souls.

Clay figurines and murdered retainers provided plenty of company—and a workforce—for the dead.

Rich or poor, you could reach out to friends and family in the afterlife—and communication went both ways.

A guide called the Amduat helped pharaohs navigate the complex afterlife.