New methods for ancient texts

Magical texts of the Ancient Near East, Egypt and neighbouring regions are the focus of a new research group at the University of Würzburg. The DFG is providing around 3.5 million euros for the first phase.

Worn as a note in an amulet around the neck, deposited in a grave or found as a manual in a scholar’s library: magical texts were once widespread. They were used, among other things, in the hope to gain divine help in finding a partner, protection from adversaries and diseases or support on the way to the afterlife. ...