History of the Peloponnesian War

Besides the present affliction, the reception of the country people and of their substance into the city oppressed both them and much more the people themselves that so came in.

For having no houses but dwelling at that time of the year in stifling booths, the mortality was now without all form; and dying men lay tumbling one upon another in the streets, and men halfdead about every conduit through desire of water. The temples also where they dwelt in tents were all full of the dead that died within them.

For oppressed with the violence of the calamity and not knowing what to do, men grew careless both of holy and profane things alike.

And the laws which they formerly used touching funerals were all now broken, every one burying where he could find room. And many for want of things necessary, after so many deaths before, were forced to become impudent in the funerals of their friends. For when one had made a funeral pile, another getting before him would throw on his dead and give it fire. And when one was in burning, another would come and, having cast thereon him whom he carried, go his way again.