Pliny the Elder on Magic and Religion

Rituals, Beliefs, Objects and Practices in the Naturalis Historia

Extent: 370 pages

Publisher: Wiley-VCH

Series: Antiquité et sciences humaines

Language: English, French, Italian

Paperback (Forthcoming)

(November 2026)

ISBN: 9782503614243

Price: $119.00

Synopsis

By gathering a diverse range of articles, this volume seeks to delve not only into Pliny’s perspectives, methodologies, and sources regarding magic and religion, but also into the impact and reception of his work on ancient and modern scholarship.

The volume explores the numerous references to magical and religious content found in the encyclopaedic work of Pliny the Elder. Cults, apotropaic rituals, superstitions, magical recipes, wonders, and much more: the extraordinary repertoire collected by Pliny is investigated through different and innovative approaches. A clear picture emerges of the great importance of Pliny’s work and the immense influence it had in the Renaissance and modern era.

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The Cultural Parameters of the Graeco-Roman War Discourse

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Religion and Material Culture

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Volume 3

Edited by Lisbeth Bredholt Edited by Jesper Tae Jensen