During which time period did cremation gain significant acceptance in ancient Rome?

Cremation gained significant acceptance in ancient Rome primarily during the time of the Roman Republic, roughly from the 6th century BC to the end of the 1st century BC. This practice became more widespread as the Romans began to see it as a practical and hygienic alternative to in-ground burial, especially in urban areas where space was limited.

During this period, cremation was prevalent among the upper classes and was often accompanied by elaborate funerary rituals. The shift toward cremation can also be attributed to various cultural influences, including Greek practices and the desire for maintaining family lineage and honor through the preservation of remains in urns.

After the rise of Christianity and its early spread in the Roman Empire, burial became the more accepted practice, as it aligned more closely with Christian beliefs about resurrection and the sanctity of the body. Thus, significant acceptance of cremation in antiquity is intricately tied to the customs and beliefs prevalent during the Roman Republic, rather than being associated with periods immediately before or after the birth of Christ, or long after the birth of Christ.