Rituals create relationships between human beings as well as with the divine.
Because of this, they offer a unique opportunity for exploring ancient Mediterranean civilizations, cultures that borrowed from and reacted to each other in the realm of myth and religion as well as trade, exploration and war. Magic was a significant element of the social fabric from the earliest civilizations through the Roman period. We will consider its practitioners, techniques, and reception, as well as such specific activities as necromany, spells, curses and possession. At the completion of the course, the students should have an understanding of the place of magic in shaping the development of civilization, its relationship to religion and science, and its continuing role in today's world. Web page by Marshall Jones, Office Manager.