Which of the following practices was common in the funerary traditions of ancient Greeks?

The practice of cremation of the body was a significant funerary tradition among the ancient Greeks. This method was often preferred for various reasons, including religious beliefs and practical considerations, such as the desire to return the body to the elements and to prevent the spread of disease.

In ancient Greece, cremation became particularly popular during the later periods, especially from the 8th century BC onward, partly owing to the influence of mythology and the belief in the soul's journey after death. The ashes of the deceased were typically collected and placed in an urn, which was then buried or kept in a family grave. This practice symbolized a form of closure and allowed for memorialization of the deceased through the physical remains.

Other options presented relate to various aspects of funerary practices but do not align as directly with the predominant traditions of ancient Greeks. For instance, burial in tombs was indeed practiced, but it was less common than cremation during certain periods. Offering food to the dead and animal sacrifice were also seen in various cultures and could have been part of some funerary ceremonies, but these were not as quintessentially Greek as cremation. Thus, cremation stands out as the most representative funerary practice of the ancient Greeks.