What term refers to a cemetery in ancient Roman cities like Pompeii?

The term "necropolis" refers to a large ancient cemetery or burial site, particularly those associated with ancient cities such as Pompeii. This word comes from the Greek, meaning "city of the dead." In the context of ancient Roman cities, necropolises were typically situated outside the city walls and were often designed with elaborate tombs and mausoleums to honor the deceased.

The layout of necropolises served not only as burial places but also as sites for rituals and remembrance. The presence of such significant burial grounds around Pompeii is a testament to the cultural importance placed on death and the afterlife in Roman society. It was common for wealthy individuals to construct grand tombs to display their status, and the necropolis would often reflect the social hierarchy of the time.

In contrast, other options refer to different types of burial structures or concepts. A columbarium is a structure specifically designed for the storage of urns containing ashes, usually for individual cremations. Fossorium is not a widely recognized term in relation to Roman funerary practices. Catacumbas refers to catacombs, which are underground burial sites often associated with early Christians rather than the general Roman context. Thus, necropolis is the most fitting and appropriate term for