Magic in the Ancient World
with Dr. Andrew Henry
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September 29th - October 29th, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT
Learn from Dr. Andrew Henry
This course explores the role of magic in the Roman Empire, examining how ancient peoples sought to harness supernatural forces through spells, rituals, and objects.
From curse tablets and erotic spells to protective amulets and demon bowls, students will analyze the intersection of magic with religion, medicine, and daily life. Drawing on archaeological evidence, ancient texts, and modern scholarship, the course will investigate how magic was practiced, who was accused of using it, and how it was regulated (or not) by Roman law. Special attention will be given to critiquing the categories that we use, examining the blurred boundaries between so-called “official” religion and so-called “forbidden” sorcery, as well as the perspectives of both practitioners and critics of magic.
By the end of this course, students will gain a critical understanding of how magic functioned in the social, religious, and legal landscape of the Roman Empire, while also interrogating the very concept of “magic” itself. They will explore key magical practices such as curse tablets, amulets, exorcisms, and healing rituals, while questioning where the boundaries between magic, religion, and medicine were drawn, both in antiquity and in modern scholarship.Â
The course will also examine how magic was used in times of crisis, how it intersected with gender and marginalization, and how Roman authorities sought to regulate it.
Through case studies, primary sources, and self-reflective analysis, students will develop a nuanced perspective on ancient magical traditions and the ways in which categories like “magic” are shaped by cultural assumptions.
Enrollment Options
- Featuring:
- ✔ Expert training from Dr. Andrew Henry
- ✔ 8 live lessons with Q&A
Recordings are posted the next day with lifetime access - ✔ Community Discussion Forum: Interact with Dr. Henry and fellow students with weekly assignments and shared readings.
- ✔ Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and political dimensions of magical practices in antiquity
An online seminar brought to you by Religion for Breakfast
From Andrew Henry's 1M+ subscriber YouTube channel about the academic study of religion, the Religion Department offers a way to learn deeply with world experts who understand the nuances. Our classes are designed to accommodate multiple learning styles and schedules.
Class Schedule
Class 1: What is magic?
Class 2: The Social Context of Magic
Class 3: Curse Tablets and Agonistic Magic
Class 4: Amulets and Apotropaic Magic
Class 5: Magic and Medicine: What’s the Difference?
Class 6: Exorcism: Is it magic?
Class 7: Magic and Roman Law
Class 8: Magic and Marginalization: Women and Gender
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Why become a member?
25+ Guest Lectures with Leading ScholarsÂ
"Guided Reading" clubs on topics like Theory, Sufism, and American Religious History
Weekly Live Events
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