Final answer:
The master of ceremonies in ancient Roman funeral processions was called the libitinarius, who arranged the public rituals honoring the deceased, in line with the traditions known as mos maiorum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "master of ceremonies" who coordinated the funeral procession in ancient Roman times was known as the libitinarius. This individual was responsible for organizing the intricate details of Roman funerals, which were grand public rituals that emphasized the continuity between the deceased and their ancestors. The processions were a public affair carrying the deceased from their home to the forum, where eulogies would be delivered and ancestor masks worn by participants. The libitinarius thus played a vital role in these ceremonies, facilitating the display of respect for the deceased and adherence to the traditions of mos maiorum, or "the way of the ancestors". Ancient Romans placed significant emphasis on funerary practices, tying them to communal values and beliefs about the afterlife, as well the political and social stature of the deceased and their family.
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