Description

Book Synopsis
The book explores the hitherto rarely discussed connection of magic with politics in the writings of Tacitus, Suetonius and Ammianus Marcellinus, offering insight into the way language of magic and ritual pollution is used as means of characterization and historiosophical commentary on the nature of power and political struggle. Religious deviation and innovation, theurgy, necromancy, black and erotic magic, the topoi of an emperor-magician, a semi-divine emperor-healer/saviour and a witch/poisoner, all play an important role in the analyzed texts. Magic is depicted as a way of abusing the official state religion; every such abuse disturbs pax deorum and brings misery on both the perpetrator and the whole state.

Table of Contents
Preface - 1 Tacitus - 2 Suetonius - 3 Ammianus Marcellinus - Epilogue - Appendix 1 Trials under Tiberius in the Annals - Appendix 2 Trials under Claudius in the Annals - Appendix 3 Trials under Nero in the Annals - Bibliography - Index

Magic as an Element of Political Debate in the

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A Hardback by Mikołaj Szymański, Justyna Migdał

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    View other formats and editions of Magic as an Element of Political Debate in the by Mikołaj Szymański

    Publisher: Peter Lang AG
    Publication Date: 26/06/2023
    ISBN13: 9783631897997, 978-3631897997
    ISBN10: 3631897995
    Also in:
    Conjuring and magic

    Description

    Book Synopsis
    The book explores the hitherto rarely discussed connection of magic with politics in the writings of Tacitus, Suetonius and Ammianus Marcellinus, offering insight into the way language of magic and ritual pollution is used as means of characterization and historiosophical commentary on the nature of power and political struggle. Religious deviation and innovation, theurgy, necromancy, black and erotic magic, the topoi of an emperor-magician, a semi-divine emperor-healer/saviour and a witch/poisoner, all play an important role in the analyzed texts. Magic is depicted as a way of abusing the official state religion; every such abuse disturbs pax deorum and brings misery on both the perpetrator and the whole state.

    Table of Contents
    Preface - 1 Tacitus - 2 Suetonius - 3 Ammianus Marcellinus - Epilogue - Appendix 1 Trials under Tiberius in the Annals - Appendix 2 Trials under Claudius in the Annals - Appendix 3 Trials under Nero in the Annals - Bibliography - Index

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