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Magic in Ancient Greece and Rome
Parting company with the trend in recent scholarship to treat the subject in abstract, highly theoretical terms, Magic in Ancient Greece and Rome proposes that the magic-working of antiquity was in reality a highly pragmatic business, with very clearly formulated aims - often of an exceedingly maligant kind.
In seven chapters, each addressed to an important arm of Greco-Roman magic, the volume discusses the history of the rediscovery and publication of the so-called Greek Magical Papyri, a key source for our understanding of ancient magic; the startling violence of ancient erotic spells and the use of these by women as well as men; the alteration in the landscape of defixio (curse tablet) studies by major new finds and the confirmation these provide that the frequently lethal intent of such tablets must not be downplayed; the use of herbs in magic, considered from numerous perspectives but with an especial focus on the bizarre-seeming rituals and protocols attendant upon their collection; the employment of animals in magic, the factors determining the choice of animal, the uses to which they were put, and the procuring and storage of animal parts, conceivably in a sorcerer's workshop; the witch as a literary construct, the clear homologies between the magical procedures of fictional witches and those documented for real spells, the gendering of the witch-figure and the reductive presentation of sorceresses as old, risible and ineffectual; the issue of whether ancient magicians practised human sacrifice and the illuminating parallels between such accusations and late 20th century accounts of child-murder in the context of perverted Satanic rituals.
By challenging a number of orthodoxies and opening up some underexamined aspects of the subject, this wide-ranging study stakes out important new territory in the field of magical studies.
In seven chapters, each addressed to an important arm of Greco-Roman magic, the volume discusses the history of the rediscovery and publication of the so-called Greek Magical Papyri, a key source for our understanding of ancient magic; the startling violence of ancient erotic spells and the use of these by women as well as men; the alteration in the landscape of defixio (curse tablet) studies by major new finds and the confirmation these provide that the frequently lethal intent of such tablets must not be downplayed; the use of herbs in magic, considered from numerous perspectives but with an especial focus on the bizarre-seeming rituals and protocols attendant upon their collection; the employment of animals in magic, the factors determining the choice of animal, the uses to which they were put, and the procuring and storage of animal parts, conceivably in a sorcerer's workshop; the witch as a literary construct, the clear homologies between the magical procedures of fictional witches and those documented for real spells, the gendering of the witch-figure and the reductive presentation of sorceresses as old, risible and ineffectual; the issue of whether ancient magicians practised human sacrifice and the illuminating parallels between such accusations and late 20th century accounts of child-murder in the context of perverted Satanic rituals.
By challenging a number of orthodoxies and opening up some underexamined aspects of the subject, this wide-ranging study stakes out important new territory in the field of magical studies.
264 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 27, 2019
Lindsay Watson manages to contribute a fresh and original study to the topic of ancient magic, which has already been the subject of numerous other monographs. He persuasively argues for viewing ancient magic as a highly “pragmatic and goal-oriented” practice. This is breaking with the arguments of many previous scholars, who have viewed ancient beliefs and practices of magic in primarily theoretical and abstract terms. Watson argues that people in antiquity would not have viewed magic in such a detached and theory-based way, but rather primarily as a means to an end. The book contains seven chapters, each of which essentially functions as a different essay on one aspect of ancient magic. The first chapter serves to introduce the topic of ancient magic and detail Watson’s approach to it. Here, Watson also describes the intriguing story surrounding the discovery of, and eventual publication of the Greek Magical Papyri.
The next chapter deals with amatory magic, spells and rituals designed to attract another individual sexually. Watson gives a detailed overview of the topic and interesting aspects of it, such as the often violent nature of such rituals. He argues strongly against Faraone’s questionable thesis that such violent invocations were meant to be only symbolic. The third chapter similarly provides a detailed examination of defixiones, curse-tablets that were crafted in a variety of forms. Watson adds much of the newer archaeological evidence to update some long-held assumptions about this topic.
Chapters four and five survey the usage of plants and animals in ancient magic, topics which have often been glossed over in other monographs. Watson shows how such organic ingredients frequently played key roles in the rituals of ancient magic and can serve as insights to some of the thought-processes behind these practices. These chapters are especially noteworthy for the originality of their contribution to the study of ancient magic, since this focus on many of the practical products for ancient magic goes a long way to advance Watson’s central thesis of magic as a pragmatic activity.
Chapter six then turns to the topic of witches as they are depicted in ancient Greek and Roman literature. Watson surveys the main literary figures and argues against some scholars, like Fritz Graf, who have tried to draw a sharp distinction between ancient magical practices and the depiction of magic in ancient literature. Watson instead convincingly argues that many literary examples of magic are so strikingly similar to what we see in texts like the Greek Magical Papyri that there must be some link between literary depiction and actual practices. Finally, chapter seven examines the question of whether human sacrifice may have occurred as part of magical practices in antiquity. He also notes the similarities between ancient stories of child sacrifice and reports during the satanic panic of the late 19080s. Watson disagrees with David Frankfurter’s assessment of these ancient reports being entirely fantastical and, while he recognizes that many such reports are merely the product of slanderous accusations among different religious factions, cautiously argues, on the basis of legal and funerary evidence, that there may be some kernel of truth to the idea that human sacrifice occasional played a role in magic during the Roman period.
Lastly, there are also two shorter appendices. The first ponders the question of whether the defixiones actually work, noting that many of the ailments that they purport to cause are actually psychosomatic symptoms that may have actually been triggered. The second provides a good overview of amuletic practices, particularly as it is used a protective or healing form of magic.
Overall, this is an excellent addition to scholarship and a very readable work that will be useful both for anyone who is just starting to look at the academic study of magic in the Greco-Roman world and someone who is already well versed in the topic, but may seek a new perspective on it.
The next chapter deals with amatory magic, spells and rituals designed to attract another individual sexually. Watson gives a detailed overview of the topic and interesting aspects of it, such as the often violent nature of such rituals. He argues strongly against Faraone’s questionable thesis that such violent invocations were meant to be only symbolic. The third chapter similarly provides a detailed examination of defixiones, curse-tablets that were crafted in a variety of forms. Watson adds much of the newer archaeological evidence to update some long-held assumptions about this topic.
Chapters four and five survey the usage of plants and animals in ancient magic, topics which have often been glossed over in other monographs. Watson shows how such organic ingredients frequently played key roles in the rituals of ancient magic and can serve as insights to some of the thought-processes behind these practices. These chapters are especially noteworthy for the originality of their contribution to the study of ancient magic, since this focus on many of the practical products for ancient magic goes a long way to advance Watson’s central thesis of magic as a pragmatic activity.
Chapter six then turns to the topic of witches as they are depicted in ancient Greek and Roman literature. Watson surveys the main literary figures and argues against some scholars, like Fritz Graf, who have tried to draw a sharp distinction between ancient magical practices and the depiction of magic in ancient literature. Watson instead convincingly argues that many literary examples of magic are so strikingly similar to what we see in texts like the Greek Magical Papyri that there must be some link between literary depiction and actual practices. Finally, chapter seven examines the question of whether human sacrifice may have occurred as part of magical practices in antiquity. He also notes the similarities between ancient stories of child sacrifice and reports during the satanic panic of the late 19080s. Watson disagrees with David Frankfurter’s assessment of these ancient reports being entirely fantastical and, while he recognizes that many such reports are merely the product of slanderous accusations among different religious factions, cautiously argues, on the basis of legal and funerary evidence, that there may be some kernel of truth to the idea that human sacrifice occasional played a role in magic during the Roman period.
Lastly, there are also two shorter appendices. The first ponders the question of whether the defixiones actually work, noting that many of the ailments that they purport to cause are actually psychosomatic symptoms that may have actually been triggered. The second provides a good overview of amuletic practices, particularly as it is used a protective or healing form of magic.
Overall, this is an excellent addition to scholarship and a very readable work that will be useful both for anyone who is just starting to look at the academic study of magic in the Greco-Roman world and someone who is already well versed in the topic, but may seek a new perspective on it.
July 7, 2024
The topic of magic in ancient Greece and Rome has been discussed numerous times, but Lindsay C. Watson's "Magic in Ancient Greece and Rome" manages to bring a fresh perspective with a well-balanced style of writing, a well-structured bibliography, and intriguing insights. Unlike some scholarly works that can be burdened with pretentiousness, this volume remains accessible and engaging.
The division of topics is well-chosen, providing a comprehensive overview of various aspects of ancient magic. Although the text occasionally loses its cohesive flow, it remains relevant and interesting throughout. The referencing is impeccable, and the bibliography is meticulously organized, reflecting Watson's deep familiarity with the literature. What sets this book apart for me is Watson's ability to navigate the works of past scholars with a critical eye. She acknowledges their timeless conclusions while also pointing out their time-bound shortcomings, avoiding the trap of blind worship.
The author's style flows well, seamlessly citing numerous ancient literary sources while keeping the reader engaged. This balance between scholarly rigor and readability makes the book a standout example of how academic works on such topics can be accessible to the general public.
This book offers valuable insights for both scholars and general readers, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the magical practices of ancient Greece and Rome.
The division of topics is well-chosen, providing a comprehensive overview of various aspects of ancient magic. Although the text occasionally loses its cohesive flow, it remains relevant and interesting throughout. The referencing is impeccable, and the bibliography is meticulously organized, reflecting Watson's deep familiarity with the literature. What sets this book apart for me is Watson's ability to navigate the works of past scholars with a critical eye. She acknowledges their timeless conclusions while also pointing out their time-bound shortcomings, avoiding the trap of blind worship.
The author's style flows well, seamlessly citing numerous ancient literary sources while keeping the reader engaged. This balance between scholarly rigor and readability makes the book a standout example of how academic works on such topics can be accessible to the general public.
This book offers valuable insights for both scholars and general readers, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the magical practices of ancient Greece and Rome.
January 2, 2023
Scholarly but accessible, with a ton of fascinating information. My interest in the subject is as a history lover and magic-worker, and this appealed to both sides.
November 30, 2024
This book offers a fascinating look at the role of magic in ancient societies, connecting well with my interest in metaphysical beliefs.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews