Roman Cemeteries

• Roman Law prohibited the burial of the dead inside the Pomerium (boundary) of a Roman City or Town.
• The Cemeteries of Ancient Rome were therefore always placed beside a Road just outside of the City.

Les Alyscamps, Arles, France

• Les Alyscamps in Arles, France, is a Roman Cemetery which still has the stone sarcophagii lining the old Roman Road out of Arles.
• It is adjacent to the more recent Canal de Craponne which opened in 1585.

Via Appia, Rome, Italy

• Outside the old city limits of Rome, the Via Appia is lined with Columbaria, the Tombs of the Roman Aristocracy.
  • Tomb of Cecilia Metella (1st century BCE)
    • Cecilia Metella was the daughter of a 1st century BCE Consul. This is the best preserved Roman Tomb, consisting of a cylindrical tower attached to a castle.
  • The Tomb of Priscilla (81-96 CE)
    • This was erected during the reign of Domitian (81-96 CE) and is also on the Via Appia, by the Church of Domine Quo Vadis.
  • The Tomb of the Scipios (3rd century BCE)
    • The Tomb of the Scipios containing their Sarcophagii was located in the triangle of land between the Via Appia and the Via Latina. It was in use for 200 years and was a landmark in Ancient Rome and can still be visited.
  • Catacombs of Ancient Rome
    • These are also located along the Via Appia.

Photo and map: Roman Cemetery, Avenue des Alyscamps, Arles, France