Witchcraft in ancient Alexandria was a prominent and influential practice, deeply rooted in the society and culture of the time. Egyptians believed in the existence of magic and witches, and their utilization of these supernatural powers was common. The Library of Alexandria, a renowned center of knowledge and learning, also played a significant role in the study and dissemination of witchcraft. The city attracted many individuals interested in occult practices, leading to a diverse community of witches and sorceresses. Ancient Alexandria had a rich history of witchcraft, which encompassed various aspects of Egyptian mythology and religion. One of the most well-known figures in the history of witchcraft in Alexandria was Queen Cleopatra.
Hypatia was born around 355 into the Roman elite and educated by her famed mathematician father Theon; she would live in his house and work alongside him for her entire life. A woman in philosophical circles was a rarity in the classical world, although there were occasions of women achieving recognition in the arts and sciences when born to a remarkable father who had no sons. Her sex no doubt irked her zealous Christian adversaries, who were fixated on restricting women’s influence. But men in her field respected her, even if mentioning that she was not a man was a necessity in their praise. “On account of the self-possession and ease of manner, which she had acquired in consequence of the cultivation of her mind, she not infrequently appeared in public in presence of the magistrates,” wrote Socrates Scholasticus, her contemporary in Constantinople. “Neither did she feel abashed in going to an assembly of men. For all men on account of her extraordinary dignity and virtue admired her the more.”
The act occurred under his watch, and his followers encouraged by his recent canonization of the monk who had attacked Orestes had no fear the bishop would condemn their crime. Yet it is worth noting his parabalani brought Hypatia to the former temple of the emperor cult to torture her, the same temple Cyril had commandeered as his headquarters.
One of the most well-known figures in the history of witchcraft in Alexandria was Queen Cleopatra. She was believed to possess magical abilities and was known to consult with witches and sorcerers. Her close association with renowned scholars and philosophers, such as the famous magician Apollonius of Tyana, further enhanced her reputation as a practitioner of witchcraft.
9 - Magic to Charm and to Kill
Popular imagination has long painted the Egyptians as masters of magical arts. In the Book of Exodus, the king was attended by “wise men” but also by “sorcerers.” This reputation continued in Classical literature. Lucian (2nd c. AD) related that Pancrates was trained in magic by the goddess Isis and that he was able to bring inanimate objects to life – a tale made famous by Goethe in the Sorcerer's Apprentice (1797). Another magician, Harnuphis, created a miraculous rainfall that was commemorated on coins struck by Emperor Marcus Aurelius. For centuries, much of the world agreed with Clement of Alexandria (3rd c. AD) who called Egypt “the mother of magicians.”
Toward a Definition of Magic in Ancient Egypt
Despite the Egyptians' reputation for sorcery, scholars disagree about what constituted magic in ancient Egypt, and especially where the division between magic and religion lies. In James Frazer's classic definition from The Golden Bough (1906–15), magic is a means of manipulating and controlling supernatural forces for one's own purpose whereas religion involves worshipping and appeasing those forces. Applying this definition to Egypt is problematic – communication with the gods in order to influence personal affairs was an established part of mainstream Egyptian cults. Indeed, most Egyptian rituals involved making offerings to the god in the effort to produce a specific outcome. Does that mean that there was no magic in Egypt, or does it mean that the bulk of Egyptian religious rituals are in fact better thought of as magic?
For Hypatia, mathematics was not a hard science based on proofs but rather the sacred language of the universe. Borrowing from Pythagoras, she taught that the cosmos is numerically ordered, with the planets moving in orbits corresponding to musical intervals and creating harmonies in space—“the music of the spheres.” Geometry was used as a meditative tool for understanding the dualism between matter and spirit. There was little to distinguish astronomy from astrology or mathematics from magic in the ancient world; Hypatia’s association with the stars was enough for church leaders to accuse her of sorcery. The untaught parabalani, who understood nothing of philosophical nuance, believed the rumor.
The Library of Alexandria, with its vast collection of books and scrolls, played a pivotal role in the study and practice of witchcraft. The library housed numerous texts on magic and the occult, which were studied and utilized by witches and those interested in the supernatural. Scholars and practitioners would often gather at the library to exchange knowledge and share their experiences, creating a network of individuals dedicated to the exploration of the mystical arts. The city of Alexandria attracted individuals from different backgrounds who were intrigued by witchcraft and sought to enhance their understanding of the supernatural. Foreigners, traders, and travelers would often visit the city to learn from the renowned witches and sorceresses of Alexandria. This diverse and cosmopolitan community contributed to the development and evolution of witchcraft in the city. Witchcraft in ancient Alexandria was not limited to the upper classes. It extended to all strata of society, including the common people. The use of amulets, charms, and spells was widespread, and individuals would seek the services of witches for love potions, protection against evil spirits, and even curses. The accessibility and popularity of witchcraft in Alexandria reflected the belief in its efficacy and the reliance on supernatural intervention in daily life. In conclusion, witchcraft in ancient Alexandria was an integral part of the city's society and culture. The Library of Alexandria and the city's diverse community of witches and sorceresses contributed to the exploration and practice of the mystical arts. Witchcraft was not limited to a specific social class, and its popularity reflected the belief in its effectiveness in various aspects of life..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Ancient Alexandria's Cultural Exchange"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witchcraft in ancient Alexandria". The book promised to delve into the fascinating world of witchcraft in one of the ancient world's most captivating cities, but instead, it provided nothing but a superficial overview. The author barely scratched the surface of the topic and failed to provide any in-depth analysis or new insights. It felt like reading a high school history textbook rather than a book that claims to explore the mysterious and intriguing world of witchcraft.
- Sarah - 3 stars - While "Witchcraft in ancient Alexandria" had some interesting information, I found the writing style to be dry and unengaging. The author presented the historical facts in a straightforward manner without adding any personal storytelling or unique perspective. As a result, the book felt more like a collection of facts and figures rather than a compelling narrative. I would have loved to see more creativity and passion in the author's approach to make the subject matter more captivating.
- Mike - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Witchcraft in ancient Alexandria", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked structure and organization, jumping from one topic to another without clear transitions. This made it difficult to follow the author's train of thought and disrupted the flow of the book. Additionally, the lack of visual aids or illustrations made it even harder to grasp some of the concepts and historical references. Overall, it was a frustrating reading experience that left much to be desired.