Roman burial customs

Where did the Romans locate their tombs and why?

Outside the city to remove religious pollution and reduce spread of disease; wealthy people's tombs were located along the sides of roads leading out of the city so passers-by could pay their respects

How did less well-off Romans afford funerals?

1) They joined funeral clubs

2) paid a monthly fee

3) met for meals and gatherings to allow networking

4) Club paid for funeral and provided mourners

5) In larger clubs

What would a Roman try to do at the moment of a relative's death?

Catch last breath with a kiss

What did they do immediately after a person had died?

Call the deceased by name

What did they do if a person died unaccompanied?

Called their name ceremoniously afterwards

What did they do with the body immediately after death?

Washed it

What did wealthy families do with the bodies of their dead before the funeral?

Placed them in the atrium for 8 days - women would have lamented during this time and friends and relatives paid their respects

When did a Roman funeral take place?

8 days after death

Who would take part in a Roman funeral?

Flute and horn players; the deceased's family

What were the tombs of wealthy Romans like?

Resembled homes and temples; none were the same; some were family tombs

What was a sarcophagus?

A stone coffin

How did Roman families ensure the deceased was not forgotten?

Made a marble bust of the person and placed it in their house

What were the Manes?

Spirits of the dead

Why did the Romans leave offerings of food and wine at tombs?

It was believed the Manes needed to be fed