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Ancient Magic in Greece and Rome: A Hands-on Guide
Bestselling author Philip Matyszak explores how the Greeks and Romans used magic, who performed it - and why.
Magic was everywhere in the ancient world. The supernatural abounded, turning flowers into fruit and caterpillars into butterflies. Magic packed a cloud of water vapour with energy enough to destroy a house with one well-aimed thunderbolt. It was everyday magic, but it was still magical.
Philip Matyszak takes readers into that world. He shows us how to make a love potion or cast a curse, how to talk to the dead and how to identify and protect oneself from evil spirits. He takes us to a world where gods, like humans, were creatures of space and time; where people could not just talk to spirits and deities, but could even themselves become divine; and where divine beings could fall from - or be promoted to - full godhood.
Ancient Magic offers us a new way of understanding the role of magic, looking at its history in all of its classical forms. Drawing on a wide array of sources, from Greek dramas to curse tablets, lavishly illustrated throughout, and packed with information, surprises, lore and learning, this book offers an engaging and accessible way into the supernatural for all.
Magic was everywhere in the ancient world. The supernatural abounded, turning flowers into fruit and caterpillars into butterflies. Magic packed a cloud of water vapour with energy enough to destroy a house with one well-aimed thunderbolt. It was everyday magic, but it was still magical.
Philip Matyszak takes readers into that world. He shows us how to make a love potion or cast a curse, how to talk to the dead and how to identify and protect oneself from evil spirits. He takes us to a world where gods, like humans, were creatures of space and time; where people could not just talk to spirits and deities, but could even themselves become divine; and where divine beings could fall from - or be promoted to - full godhood.
Ancient Magic offers us a new way of understanding the role of magic, looking at its history in all of its classical forms. Drawing on a wide array of sources, from Greek dramas to curse tablets, lavishly illustrated throughout, and packed with information, surprises, lore and learning, this book offers an engaging and accessible way into the supernatural for all.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2019
57 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Philip Matyszak
62 books281 followersPhilip Matyszak is a British nonfiction author, primarily of historical works relating to ancient Rome. Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John's College, Oxford. In addition to being a professional author, he also teaches ancient history for Madingley Hall Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 31, 2022
I had a blast reading this! 😁
January 4, 2024
As one interested in all things mythical and magical, I couldn’t pass this by when I saw it in the bookshop without bringing it home with me. It’s a curious blend of general overview, some deep dives, along with actual spells from the era, which are fascinating to read. Excellently curated.
March 5, 2024
absolutely phenomenal! not only the writing but the referral to ancient texts, bibliography, selection of images and story boxes. Just an incredible book overall. Could not recommend it enough 📚📖🎒👓
December 15, 2020
This book provides many interesting views of the ancients accounts of magics. The title is a bit misleading, as this book isn't necessarily a guide for practitioners as it does not give any exact advice or precise spells. It is very informational about the Greeks and Romans and how they used magic in their daily lives.
January 25, 2024
basic but plenty of good sources referenced and funny.
December 30, 2023
just from a few pages, it is pretty clear that this book was made for mass production.
it's clear this was written with the mindset of being accessible to the general public. and you can tell. matyszak shares pretty basic information about magic and uses sources from greece, rome, christianity and germanic sources as evidence. where was that in the title?
for a piece of work littered with ancient historical anecdotes and referenced, I am surprised it isn't littered with footnotes. there are a few, but they mainly exist to provide context to the images of artifacts.
he references Fasti by Ovid, at one point. this is viewed as an "unreliable source for Roman cultic practice and belief" according to Carol Newmans in Playing With Time: Ovid and the Fasti. yeah.
it continues. in chapter two, when he is referring to witchcraft, what he is actually referring to is closer to alchemy. here are a couple of examples.
overall, i wanted to read this to dip my toes into nonfiction books however, I found it lighthearted and brief and the title to be misleading. initially, the long winded analogies were funny, but I soon grew bored of the same chunk of text trying to describe a very general statement about witchcraft and magic to some menial task we do everyday. this lighthearted nonfiction book is perfect for fans who want some light reading, who are complete beginners to history.
it's clear this was written with the mindset of being accessible to the general public. and you can tell. matyszak shares pretty basic information about magic and uses sources from greece, rome, christianity and germanic sources as evidence. where was that in the title?
for a piece of work littered with ancient historical anecdotes and referenced, I am surprised it isn't littered with footnotes. there are a few, but they mainly exist to provide context to the images of artifacts.
he references Fasti by Ovid, at one point. this is viewed as an "unreliable source for Roman cultic practice and belief" according to Carol Newmans in Playing With Time: Ovid and the Fasti. yeah.
it continues. in chapter two, when he is referring to witchcraft, what he is actually referring to is closer to alchemy. here are a couple of examples.
"Many an esteemed witch in the ancient world made her name with nothing other than a comprehensive grasp of the natural pharmacopoeia found in leaves, roots and berries." p. 40
"... magic often requires laborious preparation and the gathering of exotic materials" p. 42.
overall, i wanted to read this to dip my toes into nonfiction books however, I found it lighthearted and brief and the title to be misleading. initially, the long winded analogies were funny, but I soon grew bored of the same chunk of text trying to describe a very general statement about witchcraft and magic to some menial task we do everyday. this lighthearted nonfiction book is perfect for fans who want some light reading, who are complete beginners to history.
December 24, 2024
3.75 Was really enjoyable and actually very easy to read. The beginning and a part at the end were a bit slower for me, but overall I really liked it!
October 23, 2019
I thought the author's name was somewhat familiar, then a quick check here confirmed that he'd written a little gem of a book called 'Legionary: The Roman Soldier's (Unofficial) Manual'. The genius of that book, and others in that series, is that they take very serious research and knowledge in the area of, say, being a Legionnaire, and turn in into a faux manual for being one. They are highly informed and highly entertaining reads, and try, as much as I remember, to keep up the illusion of being, just possibly, an actual manual, kind of, if you're willing to suspend dis-belief and go along for the ride.
I wish he'd taken this approach to this book on Ancient Magic, as that would have been, I believe, a better read, given the lighter tone of this book. I was expecting, or rather hoping, for a more serious examination of Ancient Magic, in this case, as practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans. He does point out that most of the examples in this field come from grand fiction of the time, and does seem to rely rather heavily upon one actual magical work of the time for most of the 'serious' magic work represented in this essentially introductory piece. We are taken somewhat out of the spells woven by the book by references to modern examples of magical thinking that have survived to this day. They are illuminating in their own way, however, it did rather break the 'spell' for me.
The value of this book could have been moreso in the in-depth examination of how magical thinking differed in this alien time to our own de-glamoured times. Instead this was briefly touched upon early, then we were presented with examples from Greek and Roman fiction of portrayals of magic, sometimes with the caveat that this was indeed a fictitious, and, therefore, dramatic presentation of magic for poetic effect, rather than a 'practical guide', as promised by the book's title.
Having said that, there are genuine examples of magical passages, and the author does assure us in the acknowledgments that he has (to his wife's alarm) actually practiced some of the more benign spells presented in the text, for research purposes. I say, pics or it didn't happen.
More than anything, this book can be seen as possibly a missed opportunity, but the author did tease in the Acknowledgments that the person who suggested he write this book has written a 'scholarly and comprehensive text on the subject' and that he 'look(s) forward to seeing it in print.' So do I, if it lives up to that promise. This book doesn't quite live up to that promise, however.
I wish he'd taken this approach to this book on Ancient Magic, as that would have been, I believe, a better read, given the lighter tone of this book. I was expecting, or rather hoping, for a more serious examination of Ancient Magic, in this case, as practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans. He does point out that most of the examples in this field come from grand fiction of the time, and does seem to rely rather heavily upon one actual magical work of the time for most of the 'serious' magic work represented in this essentially introductory piece. We are taken somewhat out of the spells woven by the book by references to modern examples of magical thinking that have survived to this day. They are illuminating in their own way, however, it did rather break the 'spell' for me.
The value of this book could have been moreso in the in-depth examination of how magical thinking differed in this alien time to our own de-glamoured times. Instead this was briefly touched upon early, then we were presented with examples from Greek and Roman fiction of portrayals of magic, sometimes with the caveat that this was indeed a fictitious, and, therefore, dramatic presentation of magic for poetic effect, rather than a 'practical guide', as promised by the book's title.
Having said that, there are genuine examples of magical passages, and the author does assure us in the acknowledgments that he has (to his wife's alarm) actually practiced some of the more benign spells presented in the text, for research purposes. I say, pics or it didn't happen.
More than anything, this book can be seen as possibly a missed opportunity, but the author did tease in the Acknowledgments that the person who suggested he write this book has written a 'scholarly and comprehensive text on the subject' and that he 'look(s) forward to seeing it in print.' So do I, if it lives up to that promise. This book doesn't quite live up to that promise, however.
April 24, 2025
I was kind of disappointed at first, since the book was written in a very weird, sensationalist style, and I expexted a somewhat more scholarly deep-dive.This changed after the first third or so, and I came to the conclusion that this book is indeed quite a good introduction to the topic of ancient magic. It gives you a good overview about a suitable, not overwhelming amount of magical practice (the author included a bunch of books as further reading at the end, which is very kind of him).
Regarding the books design and structure, it‘s very well made. The cover is beautiful, and every topic that is talked about has been illustrated with a bunch of pictures of historical artifacts, so you get a good idea what the author is talking about. Each chapter deals with a specific kind of ancient magic, and is usually composed of a general explaination of the topic as well as either a historical source that deals with the subject or a specific exemplary spell.
One thing that is still somewhat off-putting for me is the authors sense of humor. It seems like he doesn’t really treat these themes as serious, but more as historical absurdities, which I don’t apreciate. But that‘s just my personal opinion, and could be because I expected a very neutral, more accademic book. All in all I would definetely reccomend this book as an introduction to the topic of magic in ancient Greece and Rome, but it should not be the only book you should read if you want to get into the topic.
Regarding the books design and structure, it‘s very well made. The cover is beautiful, and every topic that is talked about has been illustrated with a bunch of pictures of historical artifacts, so you get a good idea what the author is talking about. Each chapter deals with a specific kind of ancient magic, and is usually composed of a general explaination of the topic as well as either a historical source that deals with the subject or a specific exemplary spell.
One thing that is still somewhat off-putting for me is the authors sense of humor. It seems like he doesn’t really treat these themes as serious, but more as historical absurdities, which I don’t apreciate. But that‘s just my personal opinion, and could be because I expected a very neutral, more accademic book. All in all I would definetely reccomend this book as an introduction to the topic of magic in ancient Greece and Rome, but it should not be the only book you should read if you want to get into the topic.
June 8, 2024
This was such a fun, informative read!
October 25, 2024
As a basic introduction, this is fine, but I was just hoping for... a little more substance.
The book touches on a lot of different topics, and include a decent amount of actual ancient text, which I appreciate.
However, there's not a lot of depth, and there are a lot of generalizations in regard to beliefs and practices, as if there weren't really any differences across time and place (example: early in the book there's a blanket statement about reincarnation totally being a thing that the ancients accepted as a fact that had me raising an eyebrow).
I also noticed some details that had me going "huh, that doesn't sound quite right" (example: Medea is noted as having two daughters with Jason, the children she murders, when every depiction I've seen, including the Euripides version the author seems to primarily be pulling from, depicts them as sons).
With all that said, this is a quick read, and a beautiful little addition to any library, and there is a pretty good list of further reading that I will definitely be looking into, so I'm by no means mad that I read this.
The book touches on a lot of different topics, and include a decent amount of actual ancient text, which I appreciate.
However, there's not a lot of depth, and there are a lot of generalizations in regard to beliefs and practices, as if there weren't really any differences across time and place (example: early in the book there's a blanket statement about reincarnation totally being a thing that the ancients accepted as a fact that had me raising an eyebrow).
I also noticed some details that had me going "huh, that doesn't sound quite right" (example: Medea is noted as having two daughters with Jason, the children she murders, when every depiction I've seen, including the Euripides version the author seems to primarily be pulling from, depicts them as sons).
With all that said, this is a quick read, and a beautiful little addition to any library, and there is a pretty good list of further reading that I will definitely be looking into, so I'm by no means mad that I read this.
April 15, 2025
I did not think I was going to enjoy this book so much. In terms of plot, it is a series of recollections of myths and legends about the ancient greek and roman traditions. And let me tell you - as someone obsessed with mythology- I have read my fair share. But the author had this intriguing idea to mix (often with a satire undertone) ancient traditions with current scientific theories and current events. For istance, he managed to connect Medea to current chemical methods and the Oracles to quantum physics theories of time and ripples through space. And it manages to do so without sounding patronising to believes of any kind. He points out that the Romans and the Greek managed to explain their natural phenomena with the insteuments they had at the best of their possibilities. And isn’t science just the same? Just because now we call ourselves scientists and not witches (petition to switch actually) aren’t we still trying to explain the world with what we have? I would highly recommend.
September 27, 2024
A quick and sometimes quite humorous read, Ancient Magic offers a general overview of how Ancient Greek and Roman societies viewed magic as well as its importance to their everyday lives. If you've done some research into the topic before then it likely re-treads familiar ground, leaning more towards the side of a general introduction than an in-depth deep-dive. But if you are completely new to it this is a great place to start.
One thing to perhaps note is that if you are interested in this from a modern witchcraft/wiccan lens then you will probably be disappointed in it. Despite the claims of the back-cover copy this is not a how-to-guide to do do magic as the Romans/Greeks did but more a scholarly examination of their practice. Which is not what the cover implies it will be.
One thing to perhaps note is that if you are interested in this from a modern witchcraft/wiccan lens then you will probably be disappointed in it. Despite the claims of the back-cover copy this is not a how-to-guide to do do magic as the Romans/Greeks did but more a scholarly examination of their practice. Which is not what the cover implies it will be.
November 4, 2024
A quick, breezy, irreverent and silly look at the superstitions and rituals that guided people living in the classical era. A nice resource that acts as both sourcebook and commentary. If you're looking for depth, you won't find it here, but what is presented doesn't outstay its welcome. The book eschews theories, speculation and charts for just the essentials - what the ancient sources say and what you need to know about them. And, unlike most sourcebooks, it's good fun. What more could you want?
February 21, 2024
Wouldn’t refer to it as a “hands on guide” however, it does a good job providing a general overview on a variety of topics. Appreciate the extensive notes and further reading section at the end and enjoyed the illustrations scattered throughout. For the purpose of providing an introduction to a wide variety of topics, it’s good. But for a deep dive I’d read this and then refer to the further reading for guidance.
June 5, 2024
While this book had loads of great information, photos, and extra bits, I don’t think it should have been described as a “hands on guide” as the format was more like a scholarly essay than instructive. It was not laid out the way I imagined it would be by the title. Very educational and well researched, but not a magical guide. The magic was presented in a way that was detached and inaccessible to the reader, not something one could adapt or get involved in.
February 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! The writing style made it easy to read, it touched on lots of interesting topics and it's definitely a good gateway book into the mindset of the Ancient Greeks and Romans about what magic is. I read some of the more negative reviews and though I agree - it's not a super "serious" study on the subject, I didn't go into it with that mindset at all. I wanted a good general introductory read and this was totally it!
October 13, 2023
a well-constructed and informative book on magick in ancient greece and rome. this is probably only worth reading for beginners to the topic, as i found myself skimming some parts i already knew. the research is solid and presented in a very digestible manner; it also helps that the book is very pretty. definitely an intriguing read.
November 15, 2023
an enchanting read !
this book was beautifully curated and easy to follow with. as a lover of all things ancient mythology and mystic, this was a captivating page turner. the visual artefacts added a captivating insight. aside from a few page skims, i loved the way it placed ‘magic’ in its context, noting the realism of the natural magic we have weaved throughout our earth and alchemy today.
this book was beautifully curated and easy to follow with. as a lover of all things ancient mythology and mystic, this was a captivating page turner. the visual artefacts added a captivating insight. aside from a few page skims, i loved the way it placed ‘magic’ in its context, noting the realism of the natural magic we have weaved throughout our earth and alchemy today.
July 16, 2024
Honestly it's a nice book, it's fun to read. It isn't quite what I expected, but I liked the way the story was told, if I can call it that. I hoped it'd be a bit more straight forward with actual lists and I found it difficult to keep reading sometimes, but it's alright. I got this from the British museum during my first trip ever to London, so it's honestly a cool souvenir.
November 20, 2025
3,75⭐️
It was a good book with clear explanations and interesting anecdotes. It had many illustrations and covered a lot of different topics. My only issue was this weird phonetic Greek sentence Κεί σερα, σερα which....is not Greek? 😅 (after looking it up Aeschylus expressed a similar sentiment, but the words were very different!)
It was a good book with clear explanations and interesting anecdotes. It had many illustrations and covered a lot of different topics. My only issue was this weird phonetic Greek sentence Κεί σερα, σερα which....is not Greek? 😅 (after looking it up Aeschylus expressed a similar sentiment, but the words were very different!)
August 3, 2025
A good introduction for those who don't know much about ancient Greece and Rome. All very high level and doesn't go into much detail on any topic. Written well though, and the images throughout help to see examples, which was good.
July 8, 2021
Great over view of magic in ancient Greek and Romain times.
November 7, 2023
An interesting little deep dive into everyday superstition, which would intrigue anyone interested in ancient Greece and Rome.
May 3, 2024
There were a few things I didn't agree with, but overall an interesting read.
November 12, 2024
A really easy to read and fun introduction to a lot of aspects of the magical beliefs of the Romans and Greeks
December 25, 2024
this was a DELIGHT. though I truly did not expect to find myself, in the wee hours of Christmas day morning, sucked into the rabbit hole that was phallic symbolism in ancient Rome.
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July 19, 2025This was a fascinating and humorously done introduction to the basics of ancient belief. Highly recommend for readers interested in the more practical side of ancient mythology in day-to-day life.
August 3, 2025
Very enjoyable read. I liked the writing style and the occasional joke thrown in too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews