All this sculpture was made especially for funerary purposes, to contain the bodies or ashes of the dead, or to mark their place of burial. Similarly, most of the Greek and Roman pots, glass vessels, figurines, jewellery and other objects displayed in this gallery have only survived because they were placed in graves. We can use this evidence to chart how methods of disposing of the dead varied over time and from one region to another. The monuments offer clues as to the status and ambitions of the people involved. Greek or Roman literature can also contribute to the overall picture of funerals and mourning practice. But reconstructing Greek or Roman attitudes to death remains difficult, and controversial.

Death in Greece ...   Death in Rome ...