What was the role of the praeco in ancient funerals?

The praeco in ancient funerals primarily served the function of summoning attendees to the event. This role was crucial in the context of ancient societies, where public funerals were significant communal events. The praeco would announce the death and invite people to participate in the mourning process, ensuring that family, friends, and members of the community were informed and able to pay their respects. This function highlights the praeco's importance in promoting social cohesion during a time of loss and ensuring that the deceased received appropriate recognition and honors from their community.

Other roles listed, such as leading the procession or performing rituals, were typically filled by different individuals within the funeral customs. Similarly, the delivery of the eulogy was an honor usually bestowed upon close family members or notable figures rather than the role of the praeco. Their primary duty was focused on the announcement and organization surrounding attendance rather than the more ceremonial tasks of leading or officiating the funeral rites.