De la mort sociale à la fabrique de la mémoire: collèges et rites funéraires

Abstract

At the time of their death, slaves could ask about the question of the survival of their memory, with one fundamental requirement, that of being able to influence the arrangements for the regular performance of the rites intended for the deceased. When we observe what characterizes slaves in death, we could see the infinite range of possibilities they may face, from the most anonymous and infamous death to the most vivid celebration. To what extent could the colleges, in their diversity, meet these needs and take charge of the cults necessary for funerals and annual commemorations intended to promote the perpetuation of the memory of slaves ? The communication will question the epigraphic documentation by asking whether the cults provided by these colleges could allow slaves to escape their condition as well as the social control they had been subject to during their life.