What time of day was it common for higher status people in ancient Rome to have funerals?

In ancient Rome, funerals for higher-status individuals were typically held in the afternoon. This timing was significant for several cultural and practical reasons. The afternoon allowed for greater participation from mourners and the public, as more people could attend when it was not too early in the morning, which would have limited attendance due to work and the general routine of the day.

Additionally, funerals in the afternoon provided the chance to conduct ceremonies and processions in better lighting, enhancing the visibility of significant rituals and the displaying of the deceased. This timing also aligned with the Roman tradition of honoring the deceased with public acknowledgment at a time when the community was more likely to gather.

Holding funerals in the afternoon demonstrated respect for the deceased, allowing for a more elaborate display of mourning and ceremonial activities befitting higher-status individuals, who often had access to more resources for their funerary practices compared to those of lower status.