Why were Roman burials typically conducted outside the city's walls?

Roman burials were typically conducted outside the city's walls primarily for sanitation reasons. As urban populations grew, the concentration of bodies within the city's limits posed significant hygiene risks. Burial sites filled with deceased individuals could contribute to the spread of disease and create unpleasant living conditions for the inhabitants.

The practice of burying the dead outside city boundaries also served to maintain a clear separation between the living and the dead, which was important for public health and well-being. Additionally, it reflected societal beliefs where proximity to death was often viewed as a potential source of impurity or bad omens.

While tradition, religious beliefs, and local laws did play a role in burial practices, the overarching concern for health and sanitation was a critical factor that led to this custom. Ensuring clean and safe living spaces was a priority for the Romans, and thus burying the dead outside their cities was a practical response to these needs.