What term is used to describe the group of people hired in ancient Rome and Greece to mourn during funerals?

The term "professional mourners" specifically refers to individuals who were hired in ancient Rome and Greece to express grief and lamentation during funerals. Their role was to enhance the funeral experience by providing a visible and vocal display of sorrow, which was an important cultural practice at that time.

In ancient societies, the expression of mourning was considered vital for honoring the deceased and supporting the bereaved family. These mourners would often sing dirges, weep, and perform rituals, contributing to the solemn atmosphere of the funeral service. The presence of professional mourners reinforced communal ties and provided an outlet for collective grief, demonstrating how essential these roles were in the context of their funeral customs.

The other choices do not accurately capture this specific function. Gravediggers focus on the physical aspect of burial, while funeral directors and embalmers deal with the logistics and preparation of bodies for funerals in a modern context, which is distinctly different from the cultural and ceremonial roles played by professional mourners in ancient traditions.