Magic and the Supernatural in the Ancient World

Exam Questions for Mar. 3 Meeting

Topic: Roman Witches, Modern Witchcraft

  • What are some differences and similarities between Greek and Roman witches? differences: Greek-beautiful, clever, etc.; Roman-angry, wild, sometimes ugly, etc. Similarities: sexuality, animalistic connections, use of herbs, use of bodily fluids, etc. (Summer Townsend)

  • What is the difference in learning between witches and sorcerers/magicians? Witches rely more on learning from someone, sort of an apprenticeship. Sorcerers and magicians tend to use book or papyri learning. (Summer Townsend)

  • Discuss the changes in the view of witches in Roman literature (Canidia and Erichtho to the witches of The Golden Ass). How are these changes reflected in the historical record? (Change from the republic to the empire and the "golden" age of the second century AD) (Melissa Klotz)

  • Discuss the benefits of Satanism described in Moody's article "Urban Witches". (231-237) (Melissa Klotz)

  • Name at least three kinds of tools that Classical witches used according to literary accounts. (Sirida Graham)

  • Discuss the development of Classical witches in terms of evil from Circe to Apuleius' witches. Use specific examples of witches and their deeds from at least three literary sources. (Sirida Graham)

  • How are the changing view/portrayal of witches in ancient times reflective of the political/social status of the society and of the role of women in that society? Parallel with the 13th-15th centuries witchcraze.(Rhonda Rowland)

  • Examine the distinction between sorcery and witchcraft on the basis of gender. Is there sufficient support for this distinction?(Rhonda Rowland)

  • Name a major link between witches throughout the ages. Support your claim with examples. (Julie Alvarez)

  • Discuss two anthropological theories about the development of fear concerning witchcraft. (Julie Alvarez)

  • Who do we now consider the goddess of witchcraft? Hecate (Jeremy Bufford)

  • Discuss the connection between witches and sex in antiquity. The concept of witches can often be defined by sexuality. Often, sex with a witch was thought to be potentially dangerous, but, at the same time, quite pleasurable. Take the story of Circe and Odysseus, for example. Witches were thought to exert power over others, and this power was often sexual power. Witches could seduce men through spells and chants, as Simaetha seduces Delphis. However, a scorned witch gets her revenge when her seduction does not work. Witches also get even in the face of rejection. Medea punishes her husband Jason by killing his new wife and his two children. Some witches turn to witchcraft because they are not sexually appealing to men. In fact, some of them are down right hideous. Witchcraft is a way for ugly women to lure men. Witches were also thought to be able to steal a man's potentcy. Thus, sexuality is a common link between most witches. Witchcraft was often viewed as the result of the sexual liberation of women. (Jeremy Bufford)

  • How much of the image of Medea has changed from Appolonius' to Seneca's time? What characteristics did a witch possess in these different periods? (Sheeja Ann Kanacheril) Luck 28-31

  • Are modern witches more similiar to the Roman or Greek witches of antiquity? Give support for you opinion. (Sheeja Kanacheril) Luck and L-Myers

  • How are society's negative reactions towards witchcraft merely a reflection of sociological upheaval of the status quo? Compare the medeival witchcraze and the negative view taken of Roman witches in your discussion (Eric Moore)

  • Why are women most closely assocaited with negative aspects of witchcraft? (Eric Moore)

  • There are many scenes in The Golden Ass that describe women that exhibit characteristics that are usually contributed to witches, yet they are not referred to as witches. Describe one of these scenes and tell what characteristics the women exhibits that could make her a witch. (louise mullins)

  • Which of the following witches is seen as the ultimate evil? (louise mullins)
    1. Erictho
    2. Circe
    3. Canidia
    4. Medea

  • What are two examples of a beautiful witch. Describe some reasons why a witch would want to do harm to others. (Krista Ernewein)

  • How does Apuleius seem sexist in his latter books? (Krista Ernewein)

  • How does the image of witches as reflected in literature change over time and provide examples from the reading.
  • (Witches become more evil - readings from Feb 24 and Mar 3 illustrate this) (Sharon O'Regan)

  • Which of the following is NOT associated with ancient witches?
    1. sexuality
    2. nature
    3. brooms
    4. body
  • (answer: c) (Sharon O'Regan) (/p)

  • Compare and contrast the literary views taken towards Greek witches in their time and Roman witches in theirs. (Chris Roy)

  • Discuss, citing book examples, the contrasting ideas that either curses are (a) real curses or (b) psychological. Incorporate the ancient idea that a person should be informed of a curse placed upon them as to make retributions.