A game-changing collection redefining ancient magic, sacred violence, and religious change through the crucible of materiality. Laced with uncanny cross-cultural parallels, Frankfurters book reveals how ritual experts devised small objects by which to unleash supernatural forces that heal, protect, and punish, as well as persistent imaginaries driving horrific violence. -- Georgia Frank, Colgate University Magic, Charisma, and Violence in Late Antiquity is an essential collection, modelling the study of comparative religions rigorously and the use of literary evidence and material culture in the history of the late antique Mediterranean world. Must-read chapters cover topics like gender, demons, martyrdom, divination, and of course the authors well-known expertise in magic, Egyptian religions (including Christianity), evil, and the challenge of defining religion. -- Laura Nasrallah, Yale University
