Magic in the Ancient Greco-Roman World -Assignment 3
Using the texts we have studied in class (especially PGM IV.475-829 and PGM XIII) as models, create a handbook prescription for a theurgic ritual and then provide a commentary on the features of the spell. Make sure to include any oral components or ritual actions that are part of the spell as well as the inscribed or written components. You should also include in your spell an introduction that provides the spell's claim to authority. Any protective measures or amulets, sacrifices, ritual preparations, purifications, or prayers that are needed should be both described and commented upon.
In your commentary, you should explain the context of the magic, the participants, the underlying cosmology, and the means by which the magic operates (i.e., the standard What, Who, Where/When, Why, and How questions we have explored for the readings). Since the magical tradition in the Greco-Roman world operated by use of familiar elements complemented by competitive innovations, you should provide parallels for the features of your spell and its context from the examples in the readings, especially any voces magicae (magical words), deity names, or ritual actions that are part of the procedure. You should comment on how the introductory advertisement compares and contrasts with other similar claims to authority in the PGM. You should refer to the readings in Luck, in the handouts, and on reserve to explain the underlying cosmology and ways in which the magic is thought to work.
You should use all these comparisons and contrasts with the parallels to illustrate the meanings and functions of the common elements within these spells. Parallels need not be exhaustive, but you should try to cite more than a single parallel for common features. The purpose of the assignment is for you to demonstrate your familiarity with and understanding of the primary texts and secondary interpretations we have studied. While you should discuss the specific features and context of the spell in terms of the broader context of magical practices in the ancient Mediterranean world, please avoid vague and sweeping generalizations. Please assume that your reader has a good general background in the subject of ancient magic but is perhaps excessively skeptical of any claims you might make about this particular spell. Specific evidence and careful argumentation are the best ways to convince your audience.
Your commentary should be 5-7 pages of printed text, given a double-spaced document with reasonable font and margins. Please proofread your papers carefully to ensure that they are free from annoying typographical, spelling, and grammatical errors. You should cite the parallels according to the bibliographic form, abbreviations and conventions used in Gager. Ancient primary texts should be cited by the number in the collection and line number (e.g. PGM XVI. 1-15 or Gager #13), whereas modern secondary material should be cited by page number (e.g., Graf, Magic in the Ancient World, pp. 13-22). You may include the spell itself in whatever format you deem best.
The assignment is due no later than the beginning of the lecture on Tuesday, April 24. Any late assignments will be penalized by one grade for each 24 hour period they are late (including weekends). Extensions are negotiable only if you discuss the situation with me no less than 24 hours in advance.