Funeral Service Practice Exam

Who served as the Master of Ceremonies at Ancient Roman funerals?

1. curator

2. designator

3. lector

4. augur

The correct answer is: designator

In Ancient Roman funerals, the role of the Master of Ceremonies was fulfilled by the designator. This individual was responsible for overseeing the funeral procession and ensuring that the rituals were conducted properly in accordance with tradition. The designator would guide the attendees, manage the elements of the ceremony, and play a crucial role in honoring the deceased, ensuring that all aspects of the funeral adhered to cultural expectations. The other options do have specific roles in Roman society but do not pertain to the duties associated with the management of funerals. For instance, a curator was often responsible for overseeing collections or the maintenance of buildings; a lector typically read from texts or facilitated sacred readings; while an augur was involved in interpreting the will of the gods through signs, particularly in the context of public affairs and omens rather than funerals. Therefore, the designator stands out as the correct choice for the role of the Master of Ceremonies during these significant ceremonies in Ancient Rome.