CHAP. 3.—WHETHER MAGIC WAS EVER PRACTISED IN ITALY. AT
WHAT PERIOD THE SENATE FIRST FORBADE HUMAN SACRIFICES.
It is clear that there are early traces still existing of the
introduction of magic into Italy; in our laws of the Twelve
Tables for instance; besides other convincing proofs, which I
have already noticed in a preceding Book.[1] At last, in the
year of the City 657, Cneius Cornelius Lentulus and P. Licinius Crassus being consuls, a decree forbidding human sacrifices[2] was passed by the senate; from which period the celebration of these horrid rites ceased in public, and, for some[3]
time, altogether.
1. B. xxviii. c. 4.
2. These sacrifices forming the most august rite of the Magic art, as
practised in Italy.
3. That this art was still practised in secret in the days of Pliny himself,
we learn from the testimony of Tacitus (Annals, II. 69), in his account of
the enquiries instituted on the death of Germanicus.