Research source

Already in the early days of the Laws of the Twelve Tables, Greek influence on Roman witchcraft was…

Date of account: Published 1908
Source: The book of witches
Reference: The book of witches · selected passage 138
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

Already in the early days of the Laws of the Twelve Tables, Greek influence on Roman witchcraft was noticeable--it increased in proportion as Greek thought extended its sway over the Roman mind

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

Already in the early days of the Laws of the Twelve Tables, Greek influence on Roman witchcraft was noticeable--it increased in proportion as Greek thought extended its sway over the Roman mind. By way of Greece also, as well as through independent channels, Oriental magic found its way to Rome, where the wisdom of the Egyptians was held in as high regard as in Greece itself. By the time of Marius, when the Romans had come into direct relations with the East, Chaldeans, sacrificers and interpreters of the Sibylline books positively swarmed in the city, while the use of love-philtres and waxen images was become among the commonplaces of every-day life.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

This is a historical account assembled under the reporting and publishing conventions of its period. It may preserve testimony, hearsay, retelling and editorial interpretation together.

Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

A modern comparison can identify recurring descriptions and possible explanations, but the account is not treated as independently verified evidence merely because it appeared in print.

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