The Romans commonly built tombs for themselves during their lifetime. Hence these words frequently occur in ancient inscriptions, V.F. Vivus Facit, V.S.P. Vivus Sibi Posuit. The tombs of the rich usually were constructed of marble, the ground enclosed with walls, and planted around with trees. But common sepulchres usually were built below ground, and called hypogea. There were niches cut out of the walls, in which the urns were placed; these, from their resemblance to the niche of a pigeon-house, were called columbaria.
The Romans commonly built tombs for themselves during their lifetime Hence these words frequently occur in ancient inscriptions VF Vivus Facit VSP Vivus Sibi Posuit The tombs of the rich usually were constructed of marble the ground enclosed with walls and planted around with trees But common sepulchres usually were built below ground and called hypogea There were niches cut out of the walls in which the urns were placed; these from their resemblance to the niche of a pigeon-house were called columbaria