The Practice of Exorcism in Egyptian Monasticism: A Popular Panacea? On the Reconciliation of Hagiographical and Magical Texts

Abstract

Exorcism in Late Antique Egypt is commonly viewed as the main prerogative of Christians, in particular monks, as is reflected mostly in hagiographical works. However, there were also other ritual specialists available to provide cures from disease and demons. If we look closely at the terminology used in saints’ lives and magical texts we can see commonalities that indicate a shared tradition and testify to the equal importance of non-Christian specialists for this practice. In this article, I examine two passages from the Life of Antony in order demonstrate to what extent Athanasius was influenced by the vocabulary used in magical texts.