Talk:Magic in the Greco-Roman world

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[edit] Comments

It seems that this article is merely a dump of a research paper. Peter O. (Talk) 15:26, 15 October 2006 (UTC)

That's the impression I get, too.Aeronox 14:50, 17 October 2006 (UTC)

Even if this page is overflowing with seemingly useless hyperlinks, it nevertheless yields in some part accurate information. In addition, the Hellenistic period needs to make references to the origins of Hermeticism to at least some extent. The organization and contextualization, however, are my chief concerns.—Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.4.24.148 (talk • contribs)

The article works well as a template, continuing modifications should bring the article up to a good standard. (84.9.143.173)

it is poorly writtten and should be scrapped sot that we can strart over okay? I'll delete it then if yu guys od\nt minSmith Jones

Lol, good one Smith Jones, the irony is appreciated.(84.9.143.173)

I wouldn't say that the information is entirely accurate. I think that saying that the practice of magic was a part of everyday life is an overstatement. It was only practiced(if at all practiced) by marginal members of society. People went to sorcerers if they felt that their child had been bewitched. Magic was practiced by people who believed there were ways to control nature. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Nicoya730 (talk • contribs) 06:12, 18 October 2007 (UTC)

I completely agree that the practice of magic is overstated in this article, and it also seems to rely on the Christian demonization of the Greco-Roman world to include religious practices under the label to validate the overstatement. --151.201.147.150 (talk) 18:13, 11 April 2008 (UTC)

I would have to track down references, but to my knowledge the employment of magic was fairly widespread. To give you some idea, one of the most common applications for magic charms was not healing severe illness or any such extreme situation, but rather ensuring the success of the chariot team one supported in the regular chariot races. I believe the intro to the Greek Magical Papyri in Translation gives a bit more detail about this. Also, I don't think that the normal ritual procedures of the state religions are intended to be included under the definition of magic here, and in fact the article's lead section makes that explicit. If there's anything in the article that's actually referring to rituals of the state religion, then please point them out. Cheers, Fuzzypeg★ 02:08, 14 April 2008 (UTC)