Mystics of the Empire

In Mystics of the Empire, this groundbreaking study delves into the often-overlooked relationship between Roman emperors and magic, offering a fresh perspective on how sorcery and power intersected in the ancient world. While the lives and reigns of emperors have long captivated scholars, the fascinating role of magic in their rule remains a largely unexplored area of historical inquiry. This book examines how emperors were depicted as patrons of magical practices and as victims and persecutors of sorcery, revealing the complex political, social, and religious ramifications of magic in the Roman Empire. From the mystical associations of the early emperors to the later, more controversial reigns of figures like Elagabalus, Mystics of the Empire analyzes the twofold nature of magic’s role — whether it was used as a tool for imperial authority or as a threat to Roman stability. The book explores how emperors employed magicians for their purposes and how their engagement with magic could be a source of political intrigue and downfall. Drawing on ancient sources and case studies, the narrative illuminates how these magical associations shaped the representation of emperors while also addressing the motivations behind these portrayals. By offering a detailed examination of the magical context from the establishment of the Principate to the end of the Severan dynasty, Mystics of the Empire reveals the intricate interplay between the mystical and the political in ancient Rome. This work challenges traditional understandings of Roman governance, providing readers with a deeper appreciation of how magic was used as a tool of power, control, and subversion in one of history’s most enduring empires.