This book investigates the evolutionary and cognitive origins of intentional human burial practices during the Palaeolithic era. Paul Pettitt, a professor of Palaeolithic archaeology, synthesizes archaeological evidence from across the globe to determine when and why early humans began to treat their dead with ritualized care. He argues that burial represents a significant shift in human consciousness, reflecting the development of complex social structures and the emergence of symbolic thought.

Experts recognize this work as a definitive academic resource for understanding the emergence of mortuary behavior in the human lineage. Scholars frequently cite the text for its rigorous methodology and its balanced interpretation of the sparse archaeological record.