The Late Antique funerary landscape of Rome: third to fourth century CE

This chapter provides an overview of key aspects of the late antique funerary landscape and culture. It discusses elements of continuation such as necropoleis of simple shaft graves and the continued use of earlier mausolea as well as hypogea and catacombs, new monumental tomb types and cemeterial basilicas, with a special focus on innovative features, ideological and religious messages and patronage. It argues that changing funerary habits reflect a widening socio-economic gap in society, and that the most innovative structures and impressive building types, whether Christian or non-Christian, were most likely not initiated by the emperors or members of their family, but by prominent, wealthy private individuals.