What were the funeral practices in the ancient near east?

In the Ancient Near East burial, rather than cremation, was usually practiced. The custom of multiple burials, common during this time period, suited the needs of extended families living in crowded towns. When a member of the family died, their body was added to the tomb. The large number of offerings found in the tomb included pottery, wooden vessels, fragments from wooden furniture, small alabaster jars for holding oils and scents, decorated bone inlay from wooden boxes, and scarab seals and amulets.