Roman Death and Burial Flashcards
Where would the Romans be buried?
Like the Greeks outside the city to remove religious pollution and reduce the risk of disease. The wealthy were buried in tombs along roads that led into the city to allow passers by to pay their respects
What was the main option for the less wealthy who couldn’t afford a funeral?
Funeral clubs payed for by a monthly fee. The club met for meal and gatherings, giving members an opportunity of making social connections and upon the death of one of its members, the club would pay for a funeral and provide mourners to ensure the deaceased was not forgotten
What was different about the Roman preparation of the body compared to Greek?
If possible, just before the moment of death a relative would capture the last breath of a person with a kiss and call out the deceased’s name. Also if the family was wealthy he would be placed in an atrium for 8 days for friends and relatives to pay their respects
What did the funerary procession involve
8 days after and involved the family to wear wax funerary masks of the family ancestors and they may pay for professional mourners to join in the procession
What would the super rich be buried in?
Elaborately carved sarcophagi containing reliefs of mythological battles and heroes
How did the Romans ensure that the dead were not forgotten?
A marble bust would be made and placed in the house believing that they turned into manes (spirits of the dead in the Roman world)
When did the parentalia take place?
For 9 days between 13-21 of February
What was not allowed at the Parentalia and what was the festival?
During the time, people were not permitted to marry, temples were closed and no official business was allowed to take place. It was a domestic festival
When and what offerings were taken to the tomb?
In the first 8 days of the festival and Ovid wrote it was a few grains of salt, bread soaked in wine and loose violets
What happened on the final day of the Parentalia?
The family would meet for a meal in the home and have them the opportunity to undo any wrongs that had taken place
When was the Lemuria held and what wasn’t allowed to happen?
The 9th, 11th, and 13th of May and like the Parentalia there were no marriages, temples were closed and no official business was allowed to take place
What did the Lemuria celebrate and how did it differ from the Parentalia?
The Lemuria was held to ward off evil spirits while the Parentalia aimed at honouring the family’s deceased ancestors
