Banquets for the Dead

       While highly charged religious activities, burial and funeral rites are also cultural customs that exist outside of religious beliefs. Many of the pagan traditions and artistic motifs surrounding death, such as, mourning and dining in the Late Roman Empire were appropriated into Christian heritage, while the specific religious beliefs surrounding them remained separate. Feasting and the presentation of food for the dead were an integral part of these pagan traditions as evidenced by written records and architectural evidence like that of the tombstone found at the palace complex of Felix Romuliana. Aspects of these food related rituals were brought both wholly and partially into Christian practice.