Memento Mori in the Ancient World

ROMAN EPITAPH, TRANSLATED

1st CENTURY CE

Here lies Marcipor, slave to General Macus Sulla Rutilius

Slain alongside his master in the battle for Jerusalem

At victory parades, his purpose was to whisper in the great man’s ear: “Remember, you will die.”

To keep hubris at bay.

So traveler, heed the words whispered upon this stone.

Remember, you too will die.