Magic in Ancient Greece and Rome: A Historical Exploration
Delve into the captivating world of ancient magic in this in-depth course, where we explore the diverse practices of magic and witchcraft in Ancient Greece and Rome.
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Tue 07 OctFour Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM No class 28 October due to school event At Selwyn College, Auckland. Saskia Herren
- Discounted course fee (per person) if you register and pay for two or more learners on one order $45.00 incl. GST
- $90.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Tue 07 Oct 19:00 - Tue 07 Oct 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Tue 14 Oct 19:00 - Tue 14 Oct 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Tue 21 Oct 19:00 - Tue 21 Oct 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Tue 04 Nov 19:00 - Tue 04 Nov 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Please note there is NO refund or transfer if you cancel less than 5 working days in advance of a class starting. Our refund policy can be read in full here.
Description
Delve into the captivating world of ancient magic in this in-depth course, where we explore the diverse practices of magic and witchcraft in Ancient Greece and Rome. Magic was an integral part of daily life in the ancient Mediterranean, influencing religion, politics, and personal affairs. This course will introduce students to the various forms of magic practiced in these cultures, from spell-casting and fortune-telling to the creation and use of magical tools and amulets. Throughout the course, you will study fascinating primary sources, including magicians' spell books, lead curse tablets, literary accounts of witchcraft, and magical artifacts such as figurines and amulets. By examining these materials, students will gain insight into how magic was believed to influence everything from personal fate to political power. Through the lens of cultural history, students will learn to apply specific methodologies to understand the intersection of magic with religion, social structures, and daily life in the ancient world.
Topics covered include:
- Spell-casting and Divination: Learn about the methods used for influencing the future, invoking deities, and altering one's fate.
- Magical Tools and Artifacts: Explore the use of items like figurines, amulets, and curse tablets in magical rituals.
- Witchcraft and Sorcery: Investigate how witchcraft was perceived and practiced, with literary accounts and real-world evidence.
- Magic's Relationship to Religion and Politics: Understand how magic was intertwined with religious rituals and political power dynamics.
This course will provide students with a thorough understanding of ancient magical practices and their cultural significance. By the end, you will have the skills to analyse ancient magical traditions and appreciate their complex role in the ancient Mediterranean world.
Expected learning outcomes
- Gain an understanding of Greek and Roman attitudes towards magic.
- Gain an understanding of the forms of magical practice across the ancient Mediterranean.
- Look at anthropological approaches to magic and personal religion.
- Be able to discuss magic in the ancient world, and the sources for it, critically.
Who should attend?
This course is for anyone interested in the history or religion of the ancient world or the anthropology of magic and personal religion.
About your tutor
Saskia Herren is an expert in Latin language and literature who has taught and tutored courses in Roman history, Latin, and Ancient Greek language at the University of Auckland. She recently received her Master's in Ancient History with first-class honours from the University of Auckland. In 2020, Saskia was the Provost Scholar at Worcester College in Oxford where she researched Latin magical texts. Her research interests include representations of sexuality, gender, power, ethnicity, magic, and sex-work in Greek and Latin literature.
