Death + Burial: ROMAN Flashcards
Why was it important that bodies were buried properly?
Because otherwise the bodies would turn into ghosts and haunt the house (written by Pliny in a letter to one of his friends)
What were the wealthy buried in?
Tombs along side roads so passer-bys could pay respects and marvel at them.
How did commoners and freedmen afford to be buried?
they would be part of a funeral club.
How did you join a funeral club?
Pay an amount to the club, or a cheaper monthly fee.
What are the advantages of a funeral club?
You’d meet for meals + gatherings to make social and business connections.
Upon the death of a member what would the funeral club do?
They would pay for a funeral and provide mourners to ensure they weren’t forgotten.
If you were in a larger more successful club where were you buried?
In club tombs/burial grounds.
When someone died with someone what happened?
The individual would capture the last breath of a person with a kiss. Then call out the deceased’s name.
What if the person died alone?
They would call out their name afterwards.
How was the body prepared?
Washed and perfumed and dressed in their finest clothes with a coin on the mouth.
If the family was wealthy what else happened to the body?
the body would be placed in the atrium for eight days to give people time to morn and the women would lament.
