The ancient Greeks and Romans buried the dead with clothing, utensils and arms. “They poured wine upon his tomb to quench his thirst and placed food there to satisfy his hunger.“

It was important to bury the dead so they would they would have a dwelling place. The soul with no tomb was a wandering spirit, vainly seeking the repose it crazed (we still say “may he rest in peace”). As a wandering ghost, he could never find the offerings and food it needed. He became malevolent, tormenting the living, bringing disease, ravaging harvests and frightening them. Continue reading →