Tombstone epitaphs were not only for the wealthy, but for ancient Romans from all walks of life. The dead were buried outside city walls, clustered together in “cities of the dead” throughout the empire, and epitaphs were lengthy and descriptive, detailing achievements, life philosophy, or beloved personality traits, and often spoke directly to travelers and passersby, entreating them to stop and read.
EPITAPH, ROME
1st CENTURY CE
Stranger, what I have to say is but little. Stand still and read.
This is the tomb of the lovely-cheeked woman, Dianeme, 28 years of age, my wonderful Athenian wife. Her voice was pleasing as she plucked the strings of the harp with her thumb. Suddenly now, she is silent. She dwells eternal in Lethe, but her worldly beauty slips away beneath my feet.
We had two sons. One, called Lucius Pompeius, lives. The other, Gaius Pompeius, sleeps below, reunited with her.
I, her Roman husband, Servius Pompeius, made this stone. I have left a red poppy as an offering, as is our hollow custom.
You who read this go and bathe, drink wine, and love as I did with my wife.
It will ruin your body, but wine and Love make life.
EPITAPH, ROME
1st CENTURY CE
To the spirits of the dead of Gaius Pompeius, who lived ten days and took several breaths but never learned to talk or walk or laugh. He was born for no better reason than that he undeservedly lies here. I hope your family, oh stranger, may be happy. The burial plot is 2.3 feet wide and 2.3 feet deep.
EPITAPH, ROME
136 CE
Lucius Pompeius lived 23 years, served in the army two years, and perished bravely at the end of a spear in the war to save Jerusalem from the Hebrews. Servius Pompeius erected this monument to his son from his own money.
EPITAPH, ROME
1st–2nd CENTURY CE
Traveler, traveler. What you are, I have been. What I am now, you will be. Having left my home in Mediolanum as a young man, I came to the sacred city of Rome, where I taught mathematics and astronomy.
This is the monument that I, Servius Pompeius, made for myself, having paid for the work by making a living with my mind.
I have sought to equal the virtue of my father, and if I have fallen short, it was because of sadness.
I have buried a wife and two sons, and yet I was cursed with a long, lonely life.
Now go, for I have spoken.
EPITAPH, ROME
1st–2nd CENTURY BE
Here is laid the jolly old clown Felix, slave of Servius Pompeius, who made many a delight for people by his fooling.