Roman funerary practices

Roman funerary practices involved honoring the deceased through rituals that reflected social status and beliefs. Cremation was common early on, with ashes stored in urns and placed in cemeteries or family tombs. Later, inhumation—burial of the body—became more popular. Romans held funeral processions, often with mourners, and celebrated the deceased with rituals such as offerings and prayers. Tombs ranged from simple graves to elaborate mausoleums for the wealthy. Commemorative practices included wall inscriptions, statues, and annual offerings. These rituals served to honor the dead, maintain family legacy, and reinforce social status within Roman society.