Mortuary Display and the Burial of the Rich in the Late Antique Eastern Mediterranean

Bollók, Ádám (2024) Mortuary Display and the Burial of the Rich in the Late Antique Eastern Mediterranean. Journal of Late Antiquity, 17 (2). pp. 330-368. ISSN 1942-1273

Text Bollok_Mortuary Display.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (4MB)

Abstract

Based on a review of the written and the archaeological record, the present paper surveys the transformation of the forms of mortuary display of the wealthy introduced under the influence of Christianization in the eastern provinces of the later Roman Empire between the fourth and the first half of the seventh centuries. The paper focuses on two major forms of displaying affluence and elevated social status, both of which regularly appear in the period’s writings and in archaeological contexts, namely, the erection of sumptuous mausolea and the dressing of the dead in expensive silken garments decorated with golden treads or gold appliqués. It is argued that while the Church expected wealthier members to comply with several regulations central to the Christian teachings in mortuary matters, it also left some room, in things both material and immaterial, for indulging the aspirations of mortuary display among the rich. While the Church Fathers’ rhetoric may convey the impression that their intention was to abolish almost all forms of traditional Mediterranean mortuary display, scrutiny of the available evidence demonstrates that their actual goal was less ambitious. On the one hand, they strove to discourage extravagant displays as well as any elements visibly linked to traditional Graeco-Roman cults, while on the other they sought to channel a part of the wealth of the rich into institutions of Christian philanthropy

Actions (login required)

Edit Item