What is the term used for a funeral specifically for children in ancient Rome?

The term "funus acerbum" refers to a type of funeral specifically meant for children in ancient Rome. This phrase encapsulates the sorrow associated with the untimely death of a child, as "acerbum" translates to "bitter" or "sorrowful." The significance of this designation underscores the unique grief that families experienced in relation to the loss of a child, which was often viewed as particularly tragic due to the potential life that was lost.

In contrast, "funus romanum" relates more broadly to the traditional Roman funerary practices applicable to citizens and doesn't carry the specific connotation of child loss. "Funus plebeium" typically refers to the funerals of the common people, while "funus divinum" pertains to funerals connected to divine or religiously significant figures. These terms, while relevant to Roman funerary customs, do not capture the particular aspect of mourning for children that "funus acerbum" does.