Who are the first people historically attributed with the practice of cremation?

Cremation has a long and varied history, but its earliest documented practices are attributed to the Ancient Greeks. In ancient Greece, cremation became a common funerary practice around the 9th century BCE and was often preferred for reasons related to religious beliefs, customs, and hygiene. The Greeks viewed cremation as a way to honor the dead, and it was often tied to their beliefs about the afterlife. In addition, the practice was depicted in various literary and artistic forms throughout their history, indicating its cultural significance.

Among the provided options, the Ancient Greeks are noted for their philosophical and ritualistic approaches to death, which prominently included cremation. This practice was later adopted and adapted by various cultures, including the Romans, who recognized it but did not originate it. Other groups, such as the Ancient Egyptians and Indigenous Peoples, have their own unique funerary customs, but the specific historical association of cremation as a widespread practice aligns primarily with the Ancient Greeks.