Mourning and Burial Customs: Roman

The Roman Funeral

A scene of mourning from a Roman child's sarcophagus. Marble, 2nd century CE,
Roman cemetery at Agrigento, Sicily.

Social Class and Public Display

Public Display: Imagines

Ancient Rome was a very class-conscious society. Learn about Rome's social hierarchy in this article. First, find a chart of Rome's social classes, arranged in descending order of Senators, Equestrians, Commons, Freed people, and Slaves. This chart also illustrates possible mobility between various classes, and the fact that most Romans were grouped into the middle section, of Commons. Other sections of this article distinguish between the upper and lower classes of Roman society, and describe different displays of upper class status.
Topic: Rome--Social conditions, Social status (Social class)  Lexile: 1410 http://www.vroma.org

Tomb

Early tombs were often in caves, but underground tombs and pyramids were also built for holding the dead. Pets, guards, and personal artifacts were often buried with the person, along with gold and jewels to be used as gifts to the gods. Grave goods were intended to provide everything the person would need for the afterlife and keep them from returning as ghosts to haunt the living. Artwork on the walls of Mayan tombs depicted the transition from earthly kingdom to the realm of the gods. A Chinese emperor had an army of thousands of soldiers made of terracotta.
Topic: Tombs   Language: English   Lexile: 1550    Encyclopedia   http://www.ancient.eu

The Private Life of the Romans by Harold Whetstone Johnston, Revised by Mary Johnston
Scott, Foresman and Company (1903, 1932)

Chapter 14: BURIAL PLACES AND FUNERAL CEREMONIES

COLUMBARIUM IN THE VIGNA CODINI, ON THE APPIAN WAY, ROME