Introduction to Death and Funerary Customs

Question 1

Epigraph

Example from Egypt and Rome

Answer 1

An inscription on a building, statue or coin.

Egypt: The Granite Inscription of Rameses II.

Rome: Statue of Augustus with epigraph inscription.

Question 2

Epitaph

Example from Egypt and Rome

Answer 2

A phrase of form of words written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone.

Egypt: The Litany of Ra on the Tomb of Seti I (19th Dynasty)

Rome: Funerary Inscription of Flavia Salvia

Question 3

Amulets and Scarabs

Egypt only

Answer 3

Amulets are small charms that could be worn by the living or dead to invoke aspects of the animals or deities they represent.

The scarab was thought to generate itself spontaneously from the ground and rolled dung balls like Ra and the sun. This made them symbols of life and regeneration, fitting amulets for the dead.

Question 4

Wall Paintings

Example from Egypt and Rome

Answer 4

Egypt: Tomb of Sennedjem in Deir el-Medina

Rome: Roman wall painting of Thetis looking at her reflection in a gold shield made for Achilles (idk why this is relevant)