the Roman mythology, the goddess who presided over funerals. This goddess was the same with the Venus Infera or Epithymbia of the Greeks. She had a temple at Rome, where a certain piece of money was lodged for every person who died, and whose name was recorded in a register called Libitinae Ratio. This practice was established by Servius Tullius, to obtain an account of the annual number of deaths in the city of Rome, and consequently the rate of increase or decrease of its inhabitants.

Libitinarii, were undertakers whose office it was to take care of funerals, prepare all things necessary upon this solemn occasion, and furnish every article required. They obtained their livelihood by this gloomy business, and kept a number of servants to perform the working part of the profession, such as the pollinatores, vespillones, and others. The name Libitinarii is derived from Libitina, the goddess of funerals, in whose temple were sold all things relating to funerals. See Funeral.