| Early Pythagoreanism in S. Italy; its reappearance in last century
b.c. under the influence of Posidonius, who combined Stoicism
with Platonic Pythagoreanism. Cicero affected by this revival;
his Somnium Scipionis and other later works. His mysticism
takes practical form on the death of his daughter; letters to
Atticus about a fanum. Individualisation of the Manes; freedom
of belief on such questions. Further evidence of Cicero's
tendency to mysticism at this time (45 B.C.), and his belief in a
future life. But did the ordinary Roman so believe? Question
whether he really believed in the torments of Hades. Probability
of this: explanation to be found in the influence of
Etruscan art and Greek plays on primitive Roman ideas of the
dead. Mysticism in the form of astrology; Nigidius Figulus
| [380]-402 |