Abstract
This I.S. studies commemoration and class in the Roman world. It argues that social class shaped the way ancient Romans commemorated themselves. Based on an examination of inscriptions and tombs, we are able to learn what each social class viewed to be the most important. This was done by looking over and viewing inscriptions from tombs and even the structures themselves. First there were the Aristocrats who display wealth, status and political connections. Following them is the military class which displayed a connection to family and rank if they had been an average soldier but would also occasionally show military campaigns they had a part in if they were of a higher rank such as general. The final class was that of the freedmen, a group of people who had once been enslaved but had been granted freedom. These people had diverse tombs and inscriptions, some paid for by their previous masters to show the master as being generous while others were able to make a large enough living to fund their own inscriptions. Looking at all the inscriptions and tombs of all social classes we can see that while social status changes what each person found to be important to remember. Yet we can see a common theme of wanting to make sure they are remembered and honored for their contributions to Roman society.
Advisor
Shaya, Josephine
Department
History
Recommended Citation
Daggett, Evan M., "The Revelations of Roman Tombs" (2023). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 10637.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/10637
Keywords
Burial, Death, Roman Tombs
Publication Date
2023
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2023 Evan M. Daggett