107-115 Graeco-Roman Magic

Availability

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Third year-usually 37.5 points at second/third year in Classics and Archaeology see Prerequisites. fourth year-usually admission to fourth year Honours see Honours entry.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

'Magic' is notoriously difficult to define, especially in the context of the Graeco-Roman world. Through an examination of material and literary evidence, this course investigates both the practice of magico-religious ritual in the Graeco-Roman world and the attitudes towards such practices taken by the ancient Greeks and Romans themselves. The broad chronological framework of this course is from the 5th century BCE to the 5th century CE. Special study is made of significant magico-religious practices: the nature and context of binding tablets; the use of amulets, effigies and other magical figurines; and the ritual activities detailed in the Greek Magical Papyri. Central themes include: the difficulties of defining 'magic'; modern approaches to and theories of 'witchcraft' and 'magic'; the representation and prohibition of magic in ancient legal contexts; and the role of ethnicity and gender in Greco-Roman definitions of and responses to magical practice.

Assessment

Tutorial participation, and written work totalling 2000 words, and a take-home examination of 2000 words for 3rd-year. Tutorial participation, and written work totalling 2500 words, and a take-home examination of 2500 words for 4th-year.

Prescribed Texts

Readings will be available through the school.