What was the focal point of a Roman funeral?

In Roman funerals, the focal point was the funeral pyre. The pyre served as the central element in the cremation process, where the body of the deceased was placed and set alight, typically accompanied by various rituals and offerings. This practice was significant in Roman culture as it facilitated the transition of the deceased's spirit to the afterlife and was believed to ensure proper passage and honor to the dead.

While other aspects like the eulogy, torchbearers, and family presence were important components of the overall rites, they did not hold the same ceremonial weight or significance as the funeral pyre itself. The eulogy was often delivered as part of the funeral service but was more focused on commemorating the individual rather than serving as the central act of the ceremony. Torchbearers played a role in the procession and could symbolize guidance or the transition from life to the afterlife, yet they were not the main focus of the funeral. Similarly, the family of the deceased was crucial in terms of mournfulness and participation, but the pyre was the primary element symbolizing the culmination of the funeral rites.