The ancient Romans had various burial practices that evolved over time. Initially, they practiced cremation, where the body was burned on a pyre, and the ashes were placed in urns. This method was common until the late Roman Republic, when inhumation, or burial of the whole body, became more popular, especially among the wealthy. Graves were often marked with tombstones or monuments, and families would hold rituals to honor their deceased. The Columbarium, a structure for storing urns, was also used, reflecting the Roman belief in the afterlife and the importance of remembering loved ones.