Why was burial traditionally conducted outside the walls of Roman cities?

Burial was traditionally conducted outside the walls of Roman cities primarily for sanitary reasons. In ancient Rome, cities were densely populated, and as the population grew, so did the concerns about hygiene and public health. Internally, the urban environment faced challenges with waste disposal and managing disease, which could be exacerbated by dead bodies decomposing within the living space of the city.

Placing graves and cemeteries beyond city walls helped to mitigate these health risks, allowing for proper decomposition and reducing the likelihood of spreading disease. Additionally, this practice aligned with the Roman laws and customs that aimed to preserve the sanctity and health of the urban populace.

While there were other aspects, such as cultural practices and beliefs about the afterlife, the predominant reasoning for situating burial sites outside the cities was to ensure the health and sanitary conditions of the living population.