Ancient Magic & Religion

This course examines the roles and technologies of magic and religion in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, paying special attention to their local contexts and to the myths and actual techniques ancient practitioners used to serve their clientele. Students analyze descriptions in literary and legal documents and also material objects, such as inscriptions, amulets, tablets, magical images, and papyri. This course is a "maker" course, with a significant amount of time spent in the BeAM Makerspace to work on assignments.