What was the common burial practice in Rome during the Republic and the early Empire?

During the Roman Republic and the early Empire, the predominant burial practice was cremation. This method involved the roasting of the deceased on a pyre until the body was reduced to ashes, which were then typically collected and placed in an urn. Cremation was favored for several reasons, including the belief in the purification of the soul through fire and practical concerns related to sanitation and space in urban areas.

In contrast to cremation, inhumation (burial of the body) became more common in later periods of Roman history, particularly after the adoption of Christianity, which influenced attitudes towards the body and afterlife. Burial at sea and sky burial were not prevalent practices in ancient Rome and are associated with specific cultural or religious traditions in other contexts. Therefore, the choice of cremation aligns with the historical practices relevant to the timeframe specified in the question.