A columbarium is a place for the respectful and usually public storage of cinerary urns (i.e. urns holding a deceased’s cremated remains). The term comes from the Latin columba (dove) and originally referred to compartmentalized housing for doves and pigeons (see dovecote).
Many Romans belonged to funeral societies, called collegia, to ensure proper burial. They would pay monthly dues, which would be employed to cover the cost of funerals for members. Collegia members (provided they were in good standing) were guaranteed a niche in a columbarium. Columbaria were large underground vaults where peoples' cremated remains were placed within small wall niches. Individual niches were frequently marked by memorial plaques and portrait sculptures.
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