What type of monument is erected to honor the dead, despite the absence of human remains?

A cenotaph is specifically designed as a monument to commemorate individuals who have died, even when their remains are not present at the site. This type of structure serves as a symbolic resting place and allows for public mourning and remembrance of those who may be buried elsewhere or whose remains are lost.

Cenotaphs often take the form of plaques, stone structures, or even entire monuments that represent the deceased individuals and the significant contributions they made. This makes them a powerful tool for collective memory, especially in cases such as war memorials where soldiers may be honored without their bodies being available for burial in the designated location.

In contrast, a mausoleum is a more elaborate structure that houses the remains of the deceased. A headstone is typically an inscription marker placed on a grave, directly indicating where a person is buried. Markers can also serve a similar purpose but are often less formal and can denote various types of commemorations. Thus, the cenotaph is distinct in its purpose of honoring the memories of individuals without holding their physical remains.