FM: Cultural Lesson - Roman Funerals

Roman Funerals

Image: a picture of a Roman tomb

The Romans had several traditions, and they cared very much for those traditions.  The Latin term for tradition is mos maiorum - the way of the elders - in other words, the way things used to be done.  Several cultural practices were regulated by the mos maiorum, but one of the most important were the Roman rituals surrounding death.  Like many other cultural topics for the Roman people, a large portion of our understanding of the practice comes from material left by the upper classes.  However, we do have a good deal of information passed down because of epitaphs - inscriptions left behind on tombstones.  One of the most prominent facts about Roman funerary practices is that they did not bury the dead within the city walls.  It was believed that dead bodies would lead to corruption (disease), and so Romans set up their tombstones and memorials outside of the walls of the city. The image depicts a funerary urn for C. Iulius Hermes.

Pompa Funebris

One of the key features of a Roman funeral, especially for a wealthy or popular individual was the pompa funebris - the funeral procession (see image below).  Both family members and professional mourners would participate in a procession, taking the body to its final destination. 

Image: a picture of a carving showing people offering libations.

Burial Practices

Romans rarely buried their dead intact, instead focusing mainly on cremation - the burning of the dead body.  Before completing the cremation, though, the Romans performed several rituals:

  • They would place a small coin in the mouth, a token for the ferryman of the dead, Charon. 
  • They would prepare a tombstone or a funerary urn to house the remains.  These could be very simple or very extravagant, depending on the station in life of the deceased.  Romans also made death masks, which would be placed with masks of other family members in a prominent place in the house.  These masks would remind the Romans of their ancestors and closer family members. 
  • Finally, an animal, in early times a sow, and later a bull, would be sacrificed.  Part of the animal would be placed with the deceased as a sort of final meal, part would be offered to a god or goddess - Ceres at first, but later, Jupiter, and the rest would be divided among the family and eaten in celebration of the deceased’s life. 

At the funeral pyre, where the body would be cremated, the most prominent family member, or sometimes a hired orator, would eulogize the deceased.  This was a path for some younger politicians to make a name for themselves - Julius Caesar himself became well known after delivering a eulogy for his aunt.

Roman Tombs and Monuments

Image: the entrance to a Roman mausoleum.

Romans were fantastic builders.  They built amazing amphitheaters and courthouses, race tracks and palaces.  They used this great skill to honor the dead as well.  Augustus built a grand theater in honor of Marcellus and named it after him.  Roman tombs, urns and sarcophagi told the stories of the deceased’s life.  Roman mausoleums were glorious resting places for the dead.  All of this grandeur and care indicates that the Romans believed, at least in some way, that the dead could enjoy their final resting place, but more importantly, it indicates the great reverence which the Romans felt for their ancestors.  The fact that so many of these structures have lasted to this day, and that we learn a great deal about the Romans from these buildings and monuments, gives testimony to their intentions.

This image depicts the Tomb of the Scipios - a family tomb that was used for nearly 400 years.