INTRODUCTION

The focus of research into the funerary monuments in the area of the Treveri has thus far consisted of the stylistic classification of reliefs, the analysis of scenes shown on the reliefs and the architectural construction. This is mainly because the majority of funerary monuments have only survived as sculptured blocks reused as spoils. Until now it has been virtually impossible to make direct statements about the sepulchral context and location of funerary monuments in terms of topography and their relationship to villas, as relatively few monument foundations have come to light during archaeological excavations. They are also very difficult to find using normal surveying methods, such as surface field-walking. A preliminary analysis of foundations of funerary monuments discovered by chance or during research programmes (see catalogue) revealed regularities in the positioning of funerary monuments in relation to the villas.

In investigations of Roman tumuli, the research emphasis has focused on the typical evaluation of barrow construction, burial rituals and a regional and supraregional analysis of this type of burial. Despite this category of funerary monuments being well-known, there is still an absence of interpretations of the relationship between the burial mounds and villas.

The extensive use of geophysical surveying and many excavational and research activities has boosted the number of known foundations of imposing funerary structures in recent decades, enabling more nuanced comments on the siting of monuments in relationship to villas. Included in the analysis are large funerary monuments independent of the type of superstructure, as well as tumuli which differ from other barrows in terms of their visible above-ground features, such as their size or sumptuous architectural forms.

Against this background, our central concern here is the location and position of the monuments in relation to the topography and other elements of the cultural landscape, such as villas, roads or waterways. We will document and define the regularities or parameters for choosing the location of this type of monument, as well as their meaning for the self-awareness and self-representation of those buried there and their kin.