Roman Cremation

• Under the Roman Republic, Roman Burials (Inhumation) were common but cremation existed a well.
• During the Roman Empire, the practice of Inhumation declined and cremations became more common.

History

• In 450 BCE a Law was passed during the Roman Republic that all Burials and Cremations were forbidden within the City Walls of Rome. Consequently in Rome, the Via Appia is lined with the Tombs of the Roman Upper classes. The Law was rescinded by Constantine I when he ended the persecution of Christianity in 312 CE.
• After the Dictator Sulla (138-78 BCE) insisted on being cremated himself, cremation became more common in Rome.

Mausoleums

• All the early Roman Emperors were cremated and their ashes placed in urns.
• The Mausoleum of Augustus held the ashes of 7 Emperors and 16 family members.
• The Mausoleum of Hadrian held the ashes of Julius Caesar and 6 Emperors.
• The Mausoleum of Diocletian at Split holds the ashes of the Emperor Diocletian.

Mausoleum of Hadrian (Castel San Angelo)