AMONG the most ceremonious observances of the Romans were the solemnities in honour of the dead. Instead of simply consigning the corpse to the earth, such pomp and ceremonial had gradually got into vogue, that, though full of deep import in its promptings, yet in outward appearance, at least, it looked mere vain show; nay more, nonsensical and ridiculous.

The custom has been already illustrated very satisfactorily by Alex. ab Alex. Gen. dd. iii. 7; more largely by Kirchmann, De funeribus Romanorum; also by Nieupoort, Ant. Rom. de ritu funerum. See also Baehr's chapter on the subject, in Kreuzer's Abriss., which is more useful still.

The topic has been so often discussed, that the chief points only will be mentioned here.

The following passages from ancient authors are important. Virg. Æn. vi. 212, sqq. Tib. iii. 2. Prop. i. 17; ii. 3; iv. 7. Ovid. Trist. iii. 3. Petr. 71. Appul. Flor. iv. 19. Also particularly, Cic. de Legg. ii. 21. Polyb. vi. 53, 54; and Herodian, iv. 2.

The scrupulous conscientiousness observed in discharging the funeral rites, was intimately connected with the religious notion concerning the future state; but it is very probable that this belief was originated and fostered by prudential motives, to counteract, in less civilised times, the evil effects which would have resulted from the neglect of sepulture.