Illustration
This largely first-century CE columbarium in Rome, discovered in 1852 CE, was once lined with marble. It is very 'up-market' in that the epitaphs are all preoccupied with status, even though the deceased are slaves and freed slaves. It was operating into the second century CE.
About the Author
I am a former college professor and Fellow of the American Academy in Rome, 1997.
Related Images
Article
Death's Mansions: The Columbaria of Imperial Rome
[image:3146] A columbarium is an underground chamber, which the Romans...
Image
Fresco of Duck and Tripod, Columbarium 3, Vigna Codini
This fresco is on the first landing of the columbarium discovered...
Image
View from Staircase of Central Pillar and Loculi, Columbarium 1, Vigna Codini
The loculi in the central pillar of this columbarium in Rome (discovered...
Image
Staircase: Columbarium 1 Vigna Codini
Staircase leading to the underground chamber of Columbarium 1, Rome...
Image
Fresco of Bird and Dangling Grotesque Mask, Columbarium Vigna Codini 3
High up on the wall almost lost in the shadows above a loculus of this columbarium...