Roman burial practices

Roman burial practices typically involved placing the deceased in a pyre or tomb, often accompanied by personal items or offerings, reflecting beliefs in an afterlife. Wealthier Romans might have been buried in elaborately decorated tombs along roadsides or in cemeteries, while common citizens used simpler graves. Cremation was common earlier, with ashes stored in urns, but by the Empire's height, inhumation became more prevalent. Funeral ceremonies often included rituals like a procession, prayers, and offerings to honor the dead. Over time, Romans emphasized respectful remembrance, with monuments serving as lasting tributes to individuals.