In Blood and Ashes: Curse Tablets and Binding Spells in Ancient Greece

In "Blood and Ashes," Jessica L. Lamont explores the development and dissemination of ritualized curse practice in ancient Greece from 750-250 BCE, documenting how individuals coped with conflict, vulnerability, competition, anxiety, desire, and loss while conjuring the gods and powers of the Underworld. The book offers a groundbreaking perspective on ancient Greek social history and religion, highlighting the role of ritual in negotiating life's uncertainties.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 27 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In the ancient Greek world, magic permeated every aspect of life, from binding spells and incantations to curse-writing rituals. In her groundbreaking book, "In Blood and Ashes," Jessica L. Lamont delves into the historical development and dissemination of ritualized curse practice from 750-250 BCE. Through a comprehensive analysis of epigraphic, literary, archaeological, and material evidence, Lamont offers a fresh perspective on ancient Greek social history and religion, highlighting the role of ritual in navigating life's uncertainties.

The book explores the cultural pressures that drove the use of curse tablets, charms, spells, and other private rites, shedding light on the daily lives of individuals in ancient communities. It reveals how people made sense of the world around them, coped with conflict, vulnerability, competition, anxiety, desire, and loss, and invoked the gods and powers of the Underworld.

One of the key aspects of "In Blood and Ashes" is its focus on the marginalized voices and narratives of ancient Greece. Lamont highlights the roles of cooks, tavern keepers, garland weavers, helmsmen, barbers, and other individuals who often slip through the cracks of traditional histories. These texts and objects offer glimpses into public and private lives across many centuries, illuminating the interplay of ritual and conflict-management strategies among citizens, slaves, men, women, pagans, and Christians.

The book is filled with new material and insights, providing a groundbreaking perspective on ancient Greek social history and religion. Lamont challenges traditional narratives and highlights the importance of ritual in negotiating life's uncertainties. She explores how individuals used magic to seek protection, revenge, and success, as well as to express their beliefs and values.

"In Blood and Ashes" is a valuable contribution to the field of ancient Greek studies and beyond. It offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of ancient society and sheds light on the role of ritual in shaping human experiences. Lamont's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book accessible to a wide audience, and it will undoubtedly inspire further research and discussion on the subject.

In conclusion, "In Blood and Ashes" is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient Greek history, religion, and society. It provides a groundbreaking perspective on the development and dissemination of ritualized curse practice, highlighting the marginalized voices and narratives of ancient Greece. Through a comprehensive analysis of epigraphic, literary, archaeological, and material evidence, Lamont offers new insights into the daily lives of individuals and the role of ritual in navigating life's uncertainties. This book is a valuable contribution to the field and will inspire further research and discussion on the subject.

Weight: 754g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197517789