Which ancient civilization believed that the soul was vital and lingered near the burial site?

The ancient Romans held a belief that the soul had a significant connection to the physical burial site, viewing the grave as a vital space where the deceased could linger. Romans often engaged in practices to honor the dead and ensure that their spirits were appeased, as they believed that the soul could influence the well-being of the living. This connection to the burial site was part of their broader view of ancestor worship, where the remembrance and veneration of the deceased were crucial aspects of their culture.

The other civilizations had different perspectives; for instance, the Ancient Egyptians believed in an elaborate afterlife, focusing on preserving the body for the journey into the next world. The Ancient Greeks also believed in an afterlife but put more emphasis on the journey of the soul to the underworld rather than its presence near the grave. Medieval Europeans had varied beliefs shaped by Christianity, which generally focused on the soul's eternal judgment and presence in heaven or hell, rather than lingering near earthly burial sites.