Magic and Witchcraft in the Ancient World
<p>Curses, potions, poisons, love charms, medicine, transfiguration, divination, oracles and necromancy – step into the world of ancient magic and meet witches, sorcerers, demons and ghosts. Discover
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Curses, potions, poisons, love charms, medicine, transfiguration, divination, oracles and necromancy – step into the world of ancient magic and meet witches, sorcerers, demons and ghosts. Discover the origins of some of humankind’s deepest fears and superstitions in a world where magic was a real and immediate fact of life.
SUGGESTED READING
- Ankarloo, B., and Clark, S., 1999, Witchcraft and Magic in Europe: Ancient Greece and Rome, Pennsylvania
- Faraone, C.A. and Obbink, D., Eds., 1997, Magika Hiera: Ancient Greek Magic and Religion, Oxford
- Kee, H.C., 1986, Medicine, miracle and magic in New Testament Times, NY
- Luck, G., 2006, Arcana Mundi: Magic and the Occult in the Greek and Roman Worlds: A Collection of Ancient Texts, John Hopkins
- Nutton, V., 2004, Ancient Medicine, New York
- Ogden, D., 2008, Night’s Black Agents: Witches, Wizards and the Dead in the Ancient World, London
- Pinch, G., 1995, Magic in Ancient Egypt, Texas
COURSE OUTLINE
- Magic in Ancient Egypt
- Magic in Ancient Greece
- Magic in Ancient Rome and Early Christianity
PLANNED LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Develop an understanding of the origins, variety and environment of medical and magical personae in the ancient Mediterranean world.
- Explore the many exciting ancient sites associated with ancient medicine and magic.
- Gain appreciation of the many forms of intriguing ancient art, artefacts and texts which were used for magical and medicinal purposes.
- Gain an introduction to deities, heroes and demons connected to magic and medicine.
- Follow the development and influence of magic and witchcraft over the centuries and its persistence into the early Christian era.