Final answer:
Classical Period burials varied significantly, with the wealth and region of the deceased having a substantial influence. High-status individuals might be buried with valuables and elaborate sarcophagi, while regional traditions influenced less naturalistic art on burial artifacts. Storage practices before burial could also differ to manage health concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The burial rituals during the Classical Period were intricate and varied depending on class and region. In ancient Greece, this era, defined primarily between 480/479-323 B.C.E., was noted for its advancements in art and sculpture, such as the naturalistic proportions of the "Severe Style" as depicted in the Kritios Boy, and also had a significant influence on burial practices. High-status individuals might experience elaborate funerary processes, with intentional burials involving ritualistic practices, and placement of household items or valuables in graves, suggesting some belief in the afterlife or the importance of the deceased in the society.
On the other hand, during the Roman influence within the Classical Period, as regions were conquered, burial styles could reflect local traditions incorporated into the Roman practices. Richer individuals or families might have custom sarcophagi or cinerary urns, sometimes elaborately decorated with scenes or in the shape of the deceased. The style of art on these burial artifacts could vary, often less naturalistic in the peripheral regions due to the blend of cultures.
Regional differences were also evident. For example, some areas during this period might have stored bodies in cisterns to prevent disease spread prior to burial. In essence, both social status and local customs heavily influenced how and when individuals were laid to rest, and this period saw a diverse range of burial customs that reflected the complexity and heterogeneity of 'Classical' society.