Roman funerals and burial

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In ancient Rome, important people had elaborate funerals. Hired mourners were at the front of the procession. The body of the dead person was behind the mourners. A eulogy (praise for the dead person) was read during the procession. After the funeral, the body was buried or cremated (burnt). If the body was cremated, the ashes were put in a container and the container was buried. The Egyptian goddess Isis promised the Romans life after death.

During the first and second centuries AD, cremation was the most common burial practice in the Roman Empire. Ultimately, inhumation would replace cremation; a variety of factors, including the rise of Christianity among Romans and changes in attitudes to the afterlife, would contribute to this marked shift in popular burial practices.

Also, coins would be placed under the tongue or over the eyes to ensure a safe journey to the underworld. There would be food and drink offerings to the dead, for it was thought that the dead could impact the living. Festivals would be held for important members of the family.

External link

[Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, article Funus]

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