What was the role of a Praeco in ancient Rome?

The role of a Praeco in ancient Rome was primarily as a special funerary functionary who summoned participants to a public funeral. This was an important aspect of the funeral process, as the Praeco served as a herald who announced the details of the funeral, including the time and location, ensuring that the community was informed and could pay their respects to the deceased.

By managing the logistics and publicizing the event, the Praeco played a crucial role in facilitating social participation in funerary rites, which were significant in Roman society. The presence of a Praeco helped honor the deceased and reinforced social connections within the community, highlighting the communal aspects of mourning and remembrance.

The other roles mentioned relate to different aspects of bereavement practices, such as conducting funerals, preparing the deceased for burial, or maintaining gravesites, but none specifically encompass the duties of a Praeco, which centered around the announcement and gathering of attendees for public funerals.