Defining Magic in the Ancient World
Defining Magic in the Ancient World

Summary/Abstract: Although many attempts have been made to define ancient magic, this is often made more complicated by assuming that magic can also include medicine, divination, witchcraft, and mystical speculation. I will argue that, in antiquity, each of these topics represents a separate discipline which cannot simply be included under the heading of ‘magic’ nor should they be confused with magic. Once these disciplines are treated separately, it is possible to arrive at a much clearer meaning for ‘magic’, which sets it apart from other types of theory and practice within a general category of ‘ancient science’.

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