Magic and Witchcraft in the Ancient World

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:

1. Develop an understanding of the origins, variety and environment of medical and magical personae in the ancient Mediterranean world.
2. Explore the many exciting ancient sites associated with ancient medicine and magic.
3. Gain appreciation of the many forms of intriguing ancient art, artefacts and texts which were used for magical and medicinal purposes.
4. Gain an introduction to deities, heroes and demons connected to magic and medicine.
5. Follow the development and influence of magic and witchcraft over the centuries and its persistence into the early Christian era.