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Magic and Religion in the Ancient Mediterranean World: Studies in Honor of Christopher A. Faraone — Ceremonial Magic

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Magic and Religion in the Ancient Mediterranean World: Studies in Honor of Christopher A. Faraone

Name: Magic and Religion in the Ancient Mediterranean World: Studies in Honor of Christopher A. Faraone
Price: 225.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781032341262

✍️ Radcliffe G Edmonds III, Carolina López-Ruiz, Sofía Torallas-Tovar

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This scholarly collection delves into the intricate relationship between magic and religion throughout the ancient Mediterranean world. Honoring Christopher A. Faraone, it illuminates how mystical ideas, rituals, and practices traversed geographical and cultural boundaries, from Egypt to Rome. It meticulously traces the transmission and adaptation of magical and religious concepts across Greco-Roman, Near Eastern, and Egyptian civilizations. Through innovative case studies, the volume examines both the physical artifacts of magical tradition and the profound cultural exchanges that shaped ancient spiritual landscapes, offering a panoramic view of shared esoteric knowledge.

Edmonds III, Radcliffe G; , López-Ruiz, Carolina; , Torallas-Tovar, Sofía

📚 all books by this author (2) →

⚜️

Ceremonial Magic

🏛 Routledge 📅 2023 📖 374 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781032341262

Fun Fact

This volume is a formidable contribution to the study of ancient magic and religion, skillfully bridging material culture with cross-cultural analysis. It excels in offering original insights and fresh perspectives through diverse case studies, making it an indispensable resource for specialists. Those seeking a light introduction or practical magical instruction will find it too academic. However, for serious scholars and dedicated enthusiasts, it provides a comprehensive and innovative look at how esoteric traditions were practiced and propagated across the ancient Mediterranean, solidifying its place as a significant academic achievement in the field.

📝 Description: Magic and Religion in the Ancient Mediterranean World: Studies in Honor of Christopher A. Faraone

This volume explores aspects of ancient magic and religion in the ancient Mediterranean, specifically ways in which religious and mythical ideas, including the knowledge and practice of magic, were transmitted and adapted through time and across Greco-Roman, Near Eastern, and Egyptian cultures. Offering an original and innovative combination of case studies on the material aspects and cross-cultural transfers of magic and religion, this book brings together a range of contributions that cross and connect sub-fields with a pan-Mediterranean, comparative scope. Section I investigates the material aspects of magical practices, including first editions and original studies on papyri, gems, lamellae containing binding curses and protective texts, and other textual media in ancient book culture. Several chapters feature the Greco-Egyptian Magical Papyri, the compilation of magical recipes in the formularies, and the role of physical book-forms in the transmission of magical knowledge. Section II explores magic and religion as nodes of cultural exchange in the ancient Mediterranean. Case studies range from Egypt to Anatolia and from Syria-Phoenicia to Sicily, with Greco-Roman religion and myth integrated in a diverse and interconnected Mediterranean landscape. Readers encounter studies featuring charismatic figures of Magi and itinerant begging priests, the multiple understandings of deities such as Hekate, Herakles, or Aphrodite, or the perceived exotic origin of cult statues, mummies, amulets, and cursing formulae, which bring to light the rich intercultural networks of the ancient Mediterranean, and the crucial role of magic and religion in the process of cross-cultural adaptation and innovation. Magic and Religion in the Ancient Mediterranean World appeals to both specialized and non-specialized audiences, with expert contributions written in an accessible way. This is a fascinating resource for students and scholars working on magic, religion, and mythology in the ancient Mediterranean.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This academic anthology provides a meticulous trace of magical and religious concepts across civilizations, offering valuable insights for specialists in classical antiquity. However, it is strictly scholarly and may not suit casual readers or those seeking practical magical instructions. The dense analysis of cultural exchange and artifact study requires patience and prior knowledge of ancient history. It is best reserved for academics and dedicated researchers who appreciate detailed examinations of Greco-Roman and Near Eastern spiritual intersections rather than general audiences looking for accessible overviews.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Scholars and serious enthusiasts of ancient spirituality will find this collection indispensable for its rigorous examination of how magical and religious ideas flowed across the Mediterranean. By honoring Christopher A. Faraone, the book offers a deep dive into the physical artifacts and cultural exchanges that defined ancient esoteric knowledge. It is ideal for those seeking to understand the shared mystical landscapes between Egypt, Rome, and the Near East. Readers interested in the transmission of ritual practices and the complex boundaries between magic and faith will gain a panoramic view of these interconnected spiritual traditions through innovative case studies.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the historical interplay of magic and religion, and eager to uncover the practical and cultural dimensions of ancient esoteric traditions, this collection is for you. Scholars, students, and dedicated enthusiasts of ancient history, religion, and magic will find its rigorous…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This academic anthology provides a meticulous trace of magical and religious concepts across civilizations, offering valuable insights for specialists in classical antiquity. However, it is strictly scholarly and may not suit casual readers or those seeking practical magical instructions. The dense analysis of cultural exchange and artifact study requires patience and prior knowledge of ancient history. It is best reserved for academics and dedicated researchers who appreciate detailed examinations of Greco-Roman and Near Eastern spiritual intersections rather than general audiences looking for accessible overviews.

❓ Frequently asked questions

This is an academic collection focused on scholarly analysis and interpretation. While it discusses practical magical texts and artifacts, it does so from a research perspective, not as a guide for practice.

The book adopts a pan-Mediterranean approach, with case studies spanning from Egypt to Anatolia, and from Syria-Phoenicia to Sicily, encompassing significant Greco-Roman influences across these regions.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Material Culture of Magic

Explore the tangible artifacts of ancient magical practice, from inscribed papyri and protective gems to binding curse tablets. This book offers original research and first editions, revealing how physical objects were integral to ritual efficacy and the transmission of esoteric knowledge. It delves into the very book-forms that preserved ancient spells, showcasing magic as a craft deeply embedded in the material world.

Cross-Cultural Exchange

Understand how magical and religious concepts flowed freely across the ancient Mediterranean. This volume presents compelling case studies demonstrating the syncretic nature of beliefs and practices, spanning diverse regions like Egypt, Anatolia, Syria-Phoenicia, and Sicily. It highlights how different cultures borrowed, adapted, and reinterpreted spiritual traditions, fostering a rich tapestry of shared mystical understanding.

Greco-Egyptian Magical Papyri

Gain insight into the pivotal role of the Greco-Egyptian Magical Papyri in preserving ancient magical formularies. Several chapters focus on these extraordinary compilations of spells and rituals, analyzing their content and how they functioned as vital conduits for transmitting practical magical knowledge. Discover how these unique texts reveal a fascinating blend of Greek and Egyptian esoteric traditions.

📜 Historical context

This work stands firmly within the academic tradition of studying ancient Mediterranean syncretism, particularly the often-blurred lines between 'magic' and 'religion.' It builds upon decades of scholarship that has moved beyond simplistic definitions, instead focusing on contextual understanding of ritual practices and belief systems across diverse cultures, demonstrating their interconnectedness rather than isolation.

📚 Glossary

Lamellae
Greco-Egyptian Magical Papyri
Syncretism

📔 Questions to reflect on

How did the physical forms of magical texts (e.g., papyri, lamellae) influence their transmission, efficacy, and interpretation in the ancient world?
Reflect on a modern spiritual or magical practice you know. Can you identify potential instances of cross-cultural exchange or syncretism in its development, similar to those explored in the ancient Mediterranean?
What does the meticulous study of ancient magic, as presented in this volume, reveal about the broader worldview and intellectual landscape of the people who practiced it?