Geochemical and spectroscopic approach to the characterization of earliest cremated human bones from the Levant (PPNB of Kharaysin, Jordan)

•Earliest PPN cremated human burial from the Near East are reported.•Geochemical and spectroscopic analysis of bones is performed.•Multianalytical burning paleotemperature calculation methods are discussed.•Cremations constitute an important change in the funeral practices of the PPN of the Levant.