This book surveys ancient tombstones, in particular those of soldiers serving in the Roman army, and explains their significance against a background of contemporary views about death and burial. After a brief description of the organization of the Roman army, the author describes ancient funerary practices, belief in the afterlife, and inheritance. The book then examines in detail the nature of the tombstones themselves, covering classification, detail, the interpretation of inscriptions, sculptural techniques and the significance of figural reliefs on tombstones.