Magic lamellae, gemstones, papyrus amulets.

A comparison between references in the Greek Magical Papyri to lettered, semi-lettered, and unlettered amulets of stone, metal, and papyrus with the actual realia of such amulets from the archaeological record, with special attention paid to the categories of diseases addressed, especially fever, along with the malevolent spirits thought to engender such maladies.

Silver magic lamella, 3.94 x 2.60 cm (inv. 30664), in Berlin, acquired in 1917 from the widow of German diplomat in Israel and Syria, Julius Loeytved-Hardegg (1874-1917). Roman period amulet with magic names, moon / stars, including IAREOBAZ, IAO SABAOTH IAIOTH, ... IAIA IAO HO ON ("Iaia Iao, the-One-Who-Is" = Ex. 3:14) + Tetragrammaton IHIH, etc.

Co-authored with Jaime Curbera / Barbara Niemeyer