Who typically carried out Roman funerals?

In Roman funerals, public officials and paid secular functionaries played a central role in the organization and execution of the rites. This reflects the structure of Roman society, where funerary practices were important communal events that involved official oversight to ensure they adhered to social and legal norms. Public officials often participated in overseeing the funeral procession, ensuring that it was conducted according to the traditions and the deceased's social status.

These individuals would also be involved in the preparation of the body, as well as the arrangement of necessary logistics during the funeral. Secular functionaries were typically tasked with various responsibilities related to the proper conduct of these ceremonies, including the handling of legal aspects and maintaining order.

Funerals served not just as a means of honoring the deceased but also as a public demonstration of respect and social status within Roman culture. This involvement by public officials highlighted the importance of these events and the intersection of personal grief with public display and societal structures.