In this activity, you will:

• Study two examples of how people were memorialized in ancient Greece and Rome. 
• Imagine a memorial for someone.
• Be able to describe ways that humans remember people who have died.

• Multiple Parts

• Comparison Chart—Ancient Memorials (Google Slides). Print, download, or type directly into the chart by making a copy.

Have you ever visited a grave, memorial, or monument for someone who died? What did it look like? What did it say about the person? If you haven’t visited one, think about one that you read or heard about, perhaps in a movie, book, or on the news. Why do you think people build these things in the first place?

For thousands of years, across every culture on Earth, humans have created art and memorials to honor people who have died. This is called commemoration, or keeping someone’s memory alive.

Examine Two Ancient Memorials

Look at two examples of ancient memorials below. To find out more about each object, read Explore Grave Stele of Pollis. Then read Explore Sarcophagus with Lid.

Make Comparisons

Next, compare each object by making notes using the Comparison Chart—Ancient Memorials (Google Slides).

Imagine a Memorial

Even today, humans continue to honor people who have died in a variety of different ways, including gravestones or headstones, war memorials like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, roadside memorials, online or social media tributes, and more.

Imagine you’re going to make a memorial. Think of someone you would like to honor—it could be someone you know, a historical figure you’ve studied, or a fictional person from a book, movie, etc. It doesn’t have to be sad or personal—sometimes memorials can be celebratory.

Plan the memorial by making notes that answer the following questions.

• Who is this memorial for? (real or fictional person)
• What images or symbols would you include to show who they were?
• What words or saying would you include?
• What material would it be made from, and why?

Write About the Memorial

Write about the memorial you imagined. Write at least two full paragraphs. Explain every choice you made. Include specific details that answer the following questions.

• What images did you choose and why?
• What words or saying did you decide to include?
• What materials might you use to make it, and why?
• What details about the Grave Stele of Pollis or the Sarcophagus with Lid inspired you? Include specific details about the object(s) that inspired you.
• What does your memorial say about what you think matters in a person’s life?

Reflect

Discuss or reflect on the following questions.

• Why do humans create art and memorials to honor those who have died? What does this tell us about what people value?
• What does it mean to be remembered?

The act of honoring, respecting, or remembering a person, event, or group through ceremonies, rituals, or the creation of memorials.

A stone coffin, often decorated with carvings, used in ancient times.

An upright stone slab or pillar with carvings or writing, often used as a monument or grave marker.