It was the custom of the Romans to build tombs along roads outside the city. These varied in kind an
d appearance in relation to the social status of the dead person. This practice ensured that the memory of the dead was kept alive for the living. Moving inscriptions often invited the wayfarer to offer up a prayer for the dead. Large \b \cf1 \ATXht13 ma
usoleums\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 , like that of \b \cf2 \ATXht3 Cecilia Metella\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 in Rome, were erected, tombs surrounded by a small sacred area, or underground tombs and \b \cf1 \ATXht3 columbaria\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 . The Christians buried their dea
d in the catacombs, underground cemeteries that were widespread in Rome in particular from the second century onward. In the Republican era and the early centuries of the Empire cremation of the dead was the most common practice among the wealthier class
es. Later the rite of burial spread from the poorer classes to the most illustrious families, as can be seen from the rich sarcophagi of the Imperial age.\par
