Magical Gems

This article examines a convergent pattern in ancient textual
and material traditions in which supernatural beings are de-
scribed as possessing stone coverings that serve dual func-
tions of luminous display and active concealment, and in
which human practitioners subsequently employ related
gemstone materials — combined with verbal incantation —
to access partial expressions of those same functions. Drawing
on primary sources from four independent cultural traditions
— the Hebrew Bible's lament oracle of Ezekiel 28, the
Mesopotamian lapidary and exorcistic literature including
the Greek Magical Papyri, the Indian Ratnapariksha and
Navaratna tradition, and the Aztec Tezcatlipoca complex as
documented in the Florentine Codex — the article argues that
this convergence reflects a coherent ancient understanding of
gemstone coverings as supernaturally functional investiture
rather than merely decorative adornment. The Hebrew lexi-
cal evidence of bāreqet (Ezek 28:13) and ekdaḥ (Isa 54:12) estab-
lishes the most lexically precise literary expression of this
pattern, while the cross-cultural parallels illuminate the in-
ternal logic shared across traditions. The transmission pat-
tern documented in 1 Enoch 8 — in which specific supernatu-
ral beings transmitted knowledge of costly stones and en-
chantments to human practitioners — provides a historically
situated explanation for the structural convergences ob-
served. The article further examines the function of conceal-
ment specifically, arguing that ancient traditions consistently
distinguish between the display and concealment modes of
stone-covered supernatural beings, with significant implica-
tions for the interpretation of Ezekiel 28's expulsion account

The Ptolemies were confronted with a broad range of challenges inherent in a new multicultural society, including in the domain of jurisdiction. This paper assesses the judiciary in the second-century BC Thebaid, starting from three case studies where the judicial procedures can be followed over a longer period and using the USIP’s guidelines which offer an interesting framework for the assessment of antique justice systems. The paper discusses the integration of local traditions of justice, the provision of legal aid & professionalization of justice personnel, language, geographical & financial barriers, and the enforcement of court verdicts. Although the overall assessment is a positive one, a weak link in the judiciary system was undoubtedly the enforcement of verdicts.

This lecture text presents features of the fascinating mineral corundum and its gem varieties, ruby and sapphire. The geologic occurrences of its varieties and the best-known world localities are presented in detail. The mineralogy and crystallography of corundum, as well as its occurrence forms, are discussed. The origin of their colour varieties and their usage are described, in addition to their important physical characteristics. Applications in the watch and laser industries and as an abrasive material, among others, are included. The ruby variety from dolomite marble in North Macedonia exhibits the unique optical phenomenon known as diasporescence-the inclusion of diaspore crystals in the corundum matrix. This phenomenon affects the parting of corundum crystals and influences their colour, density and hardness. Therefore, special attention is paid here to morphological and physical characteristics of the Macedonian gem corundum.

The consumption of sugar was introduced in the broader society during the late 18th century with the spread of beet sugar. However, it remained a luxury item among the peasantry until the early 1900s. After World War I, the use of sugar by peasants increased, and the number of sugary festive dishes also rose. The 1920s marked the beginning of the sugar jam and jelly-making era. For the poorer sections of peasant society, consuming sugar outside of high holidays was rare. Therefore, it is no coincidence that sugar has become a little-used ingredient in folk medicine. While researching the collections of the Semmelweis Museum, Library, and Archive of the History of Medicine, as well as the Folk Medicine Archive, it became apparent that sugar was also used as an element in treating eye diseases, such as cataracts and trachoma, in addition to aiding wound healing and treating the common cold. My study focuses on the role of sugar in the treatment of eye diseases. By putting the use of sugar in a new perspective, it seeks to answer questions about the effects of the healing images and practices associated with this sweet ingredient.

L'alimentation est un sujet qui a intéressé les spécialistes du monde antique dès le XIXe s. Comme il est normal, on s'est d'abord tourné vers les sources littéraires. Des synthèses de premier ordre (Wilkins, Dalby) ont ainsi été rédigées en se fondant principalement, pour le monde grec, sur les auteurs comiques et sur Athénée. Pour ce dernier auteur, notre équipe de recherche a apporté sa contribution en publiant le livre XIV des Deipnosophistes. Ces dernières années, le renouvellement est venu de quatre directions différentes. D'abord l'utilisation des sources écrites est devenue plus globale. Désormais, les sources médicales, utilisées de façon plus systématique, posent la question de la relation entre médication et alimentation. L'utilisation des sources épigraphiques et papyrologiques apporte également un nouvel éclairage, soit directement, en documentant l'organisation de repas publics, soit indirectement, à propos des divinités liées à l'alimentation. Nous aurons ainsi une intervention sur médecine et alimentation et une autre, fondée sur la base de données MAP, qui abordera le problème des divinités liées à l'alimentation. En l'archéologie, le développement de l'archéozoologie et des sciences archéobotaniques a apporté un éclairage sans cesse renouvelé sur les aliments eux-mêmes. Nous aurons ainsi une intervention sur les données carpologiques. Mais ce renouvellement s'est fait aussi, ces dernières années, par l'essor de nouvelles techniques d'analyses archéométriques (ADN, topographie etc.) sur lesquelles nous ferons le point. Enfin, l'alimentation n'étant pas seulement un fait matériel, mais aussi un fait de culture, sa présence dans l'iconographie doit également être explorée. Deux interventions exploreront cette voie. Le séminaire se conclura par une journée d'étude, coordonnée par Pierre-Antoine Vivier, consacrée aux préparations alimentaires.

The history of scholarship on the Jews of Ptolemaic Egypt has historically been dominated by literary sources, with documentary sources only coming into prominence with their discovery in the early twentieth century. Zsuzsanna Szántó's book seeks to highlight how the papyri shed light on the various aspects of Jewish life in Ptolemaic Egypt, and she organizes her chapter s accordingly. Szántó begins with a brief overview of the history of Jews in Ptolemaic Egypt, from Alexander the Great until Ptolemy xii and Cleopatra vii (15-28), and integrates both literary accounts of this history (including Philo and Josephus) with records from the papyri. This overview is helpful, as it allows us to align the papyri with the larger political chronology in Egypt until it was conquered by the Romans in 30 bce. The survey acclimates the reader to the times in Egypt when life was more favorable for the Jewish community there, for instance under Ptolemy vi Philometer (180-145 bce). Following the brief chronology, Szántó helpfully gives a robust overview of Jewish life in various settlements across Ptolemaic Egypt (29-52). This section highlights both the larger cities such as Alexandria, as well as the smaller areas like Oxyrhynchus. The geographic sweep of nomes, cities, and villages promises to be a helpful reference tool for anyone interacting with Jewish papyri from one of these locations, as is evident from its usefulness for the remainder of the book. In Chapter 2, Szántó studies Jewish onomastics. Such a task is of great importance, especially given the fact that the ethnic label 'Jew/Judean' is used rarely in the papyrological record from the period (53). So, Szántó seeks to highlight how studying names in the papyri can help us locate Jewish authors and figures mentioned in the documents. Considering geopolitical influences is extremely important for this task. For instance, within the documents of Elephantine, over 50 Hebrew and semitic names are recorded-most of which are common to the Persian period, while a few are not attested, such as Shimeon (56-57). Many of these names are found in other contemporary Jewish settlementssuggesting interaction between various communities in Upper Egypt (59). Next, Szántó turns to Hellenized lower Egypt. In this region, Jewish onomastics took on a completely different form. She shows how, despite the rise of popular Hasmonean names in Palestine, the impact of this was not felt in Ptolemaic Egypt, and Egyptian Jews frequently took Greek names, Greek names that sounded like biblical names (72-73), or biblical names more broadly (88-96).

Though often neglected, amulets on semi-precious stones, including the subclass of "magical amulets," provide important evidence not only for personal religious practice but also, indirectly, for networks of ritual specialists in the cities of the eastern Mediterranean during the Roman imperial period. This article presents six objects found in Asia Minor and held in Turkish collections. Two gems carry rare magical motifs -Isis comforting Harpokrates and Kronos / Saturn on a lion. Two non-magical items are likewise exceptional -Hermes / Mercury crowning Harpokrates and a set of four stones inscribed with an acclamation to Serapis.

This article examines the figure of ‘Bes-Pantheos’, focusing on its textual and visual representations in post-antique drawings and texts from the early 17th-century to late 19th-century publications, and the diverse ways authors interpreted this complex Egyptian supernatural being. It explores how these depictions—and their interpretations—were circulated by polyhistors and antiquarians, often within treatises on Egyptian hieroglyphs. By tracing these representations, including their contexts and meanings, the study situates Bes-Pantheos within the broader context of Early Modern engagements with the ancient world, revealing lines of influence that, in some cases, extend into the present. The article also investigates the (possible) post-antique origins of certain magical gems depicting ‘Pantheos’ and other artefacts traditionally classified as ancient, objects likely produced in response to these later drawings. In doing so, it sheds light on the evolving iconography and reception of this composite figure and his attributes beyond antiquity.

This book offers a comprehensive study of death in Egypt during the Roman period. Unlike previous studies, such as Walter Scheidel's Measuring Sex, Age, and Death in the Roman Empire (1996) and Death on the Nile (2001), which relied largely on demographic modeling and statistical reconstructions, Dr. El-Ebiary grounds his research in original documentary sources. These include papyri, inscriptions, mummy labels, funerary stelae, letters of condolence, mummified portraits, and death reports, providing direct insight into contemporary Egyptian perceptions of mortality, religious beliefs, and social practices. Content Overview: Chapter 1-Patterns and Causes of Death: • Explores the Egyptian understanding of death as an inevitable fate for all individuals, emphasizing the moral and religious dimensions of mortality. • Examines causes of death, including childbirth-related mortality, chronic diseases such as schistosomiasis, typhoid, and tuberculosis, and unnatural causes including accidents, infanticide, and deliberate homicide. • Discusses historical events resulting in mass casualties, such as the massacre in Alexandria under Caracalla. • Provides quantitative analysis of 816 cases of deceased individuals from various sources (Kom Abu Bello, Fayoum, Greek and Latin inscriptions, and Jewish epitaphs) to reconstruct average life expectancy and mortality patterns by age and gender. Chapter 2-Funerary Customs and Practices: • Mummification: Preservation techniques and religious significance for afterlife beliefs.

Abstract: In the Slovak National Museum – Archaeological Museum collections in Bratislava, there is a gold ring with a gem from Hlohovec, from the municipal district of Šulekovo, location Na Španie. The object comes from the location of the Germanic settlement. The ring has an oval plate and an oval-shaped casket. The band is lined with the ligree. The gem set into the casket is a transparent burgundy-colored stone with a white patch on the edge. On the gem, a the gure of a rider on horseback is engraved. The ring’s band is decorated with relatively coarse granulation at the shoulder. Thee gem is dated to the 3rd century and was probably used secondarily in the ring. Discoveries of luxury items within the settlement environment of the barbarian are a rarity, but when viewed in the context of the nearby Roman frontier, they take on a new significance. This gold ring, with its gem and intricate engravings, is a testament to the cultural exchange and inuence that existed between these two worlds.

In the period after the Marcomannic Wars (166 – 180), a new phenomenon appeared in the world
of the Middle Danubian Suebi (Marcomanni and Quadi) – Roman stone buildings. The Germanic ruling
class emphasised their privileged position by building residences that imitated the Roman lifestyle. They were
built in the spirit of Roman building traditions according to a predetermined plan, using Roman technology
and Roman building materials. However, they did not serve the military needs of the Romans, but as civilian
accommodation for the local Germanic aristocracy. One of the most outstanding examples is the building
complex of Cífer-Pác in western Slovakia. The idea of presenting this important monument and creating an
archaeopark was born in 2016 but could only be realised seven years later thanks to the support of the European
Interreg programme. The archaeopark was opened to the public at the end of April 2024 and consists of
reconstructions of several buildings of the former aristocratic residence and a small museum in the historic
building of the old mill.

Parum te amo – ‘I don’t love you.’ An Amulet Ring Against Unwanted Love Pressure
This paper is based on a Roman gold ring preserved in the British Museum. The ring was created
in the middle of the third century ce. It bears an etched cameo with an unusual inscription, which
has not yet been correctly interpreted, and a palm leaf. In the article the production technique
of etched chalcedony is re-examined. Similar inscriptions can be attributed to the same group of
cameos all with the characteristic red and white surface. The inscriptions belong to the realm of
love inscriptions. There are more possibilities to understanding the inscription te amo parvm.
Either the ensemble of palm leaf and inscription alludes to an oracle of fortune, a love game with
which successful love can be predicted, or the inscription on the ring suggests the opposite meaning, in which case it is a protective inscription against unwanted love coercion.

The full form of this article will be displayed in Academia soon, as it can be filed on freely accessible online archives no earlier than two years after the release of its journal. Please e-mail me for more information: [email protected]

This paper describes and discusses gems we have located in Turkish collections relevant to the growth and harvesting of crops. Throughout the Mediterranean area and beyond, the most important aspect was the harvesting of cereals associated with the goddess Demeter or, in the West, Ceres (see Henig 2025). She is always shown holding ears of cereal, and is sometimes depicted on green coloured gems indicative of the growing crop, though sometimes stones with a brown streak on them imply grain ready for harvesting. Of equal importance was the grape vine and the vintage, which is often shown, but almost always with erotes (cupids) as the harvesters of the grapes, probably because they were included in the Dionysiac thiasus, and Dionysus (Bacchus) was the god of wine. We have not so far found a good example in Turkey, though there must be many that show the scene, and have depicted an example from the other end of the Empire, from well beyond the vine growing area. However, that is a reminder of connectivity within the vast Empire which is reflected in exports of amphorae containing wine, including from Turkey. We represent the subject with representations of wine vessels, grapes and vine leaves as well as of the god himself who is often portrayed on amethyst which was believed to be the colour of wine and a specific against inebriation (cf. Laflı, Henig 2023, 300–301, cat. nos. 2 and 4, 315, pl. 2, figs 2 and 4). The third major harvested crop is the olive, harvested from ancient trees with long sticks, and again widely exported, employed for cooking and or cosmetics. An ancient Hebrew Psalm (Psalm 104, 15) praises “wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread to strengthen man’s heart”.
In our survey we have given particular attention to the date palm, as our rarest gem depicts a harvest which was particular to the East Mediterranean and especially the Levantine coast. Indeed, it was even employed as a symbol, for example on Jewish coins in the Early Roman period, alongside the other staple crops. Dates would have been something of a staple itself in the region and dates were widely exported to Italy and beyond.

The nine gems featured in this paper, five intaglios and four cameos, are part of the Maria and Dr George Severeanu collection (6) and the Adrian Maiu collection (3), currently in the custody and care of the Bucharest Municipality Museum. The Maria and George Severeanu collection comprises over 3000 archaeological artifacts and over 8000 coins. Part of the collection are several decorated gems, 44 of which encased in a gold necklace in 1922, gems encased in gold and iron rings and singular pieces. All the gems in the collection are decorated with depictions of deities, mythological scenes or characters, historical figures, some even
with an adjacent inscription. Given the many types, we chose to restrict this current paper to two smaller groups that deal with the same iconography: gems depicting the god Eros/Cupid comprising five pieces, and four cameos depicting the head of the Gorgon Medusa.

Broadly, crises are moments that tip the scales. 5 As states of imbalance, they are resolved through decisions, as suggested by the etymology from the Greek krínô -"to choose, give judgment and accuse." The concept of crisis, within its Greco-Roman context, had acquired a central role in both medical and legal practices. Following Galen, a crisis represents a decisive moment that determines life or  This volume uses an adapted version of the referencing style for Egyptology of the IFAO (Cairo) for English and French. For the German contribution, guidelines were developed based on the English referencing style.  The Greek version even states that the Thebaid had not been subdued by (Ptolemaic) kings before, cf. for comment on this passage: Hoffmann, Minas-Nerpel, Pfeiffer 2009, pp. 144-145. The Egyptian version does conspicuously not take note of the rebellious character of the Thebaid.

This paper explores the dynamics of social identity through the lens of funerary art in Hellenistic Alexandria, focusing on its fluid cultural, ethnic, and social constructs. Drawing upon a rich corpus of material, including painted funerary stelae, it examines how Alexandrian tombs served as spaces for narrating personal and communal identities in a cosmopolitan society. The analysis situates these representations within the broader artistic tradition of skiagraphia, demonstrating how tonal shading and physiognomic features convey not only lifelike portraits but also the ethos and social roles of the deceased. By contextualising these visual narratives against administrative practices, legal statuses, and the city's multi-ethnic milieu, the paper argues that Alexandrian funerary art transcends mere mortuary function, reflecting ideological processes tied to identity, privilege, and memory. Through comparative perspectives drawn from Greek and Egyptian traditions, this research further reveals how artistry in funerary monuments articulated racial, cultural, and social hierarchies, embodying tensions between assimilation and differentiation. The study ultimately illustrates how Hellenistic Alexandria's funerary art offers critical insights into pre-modern identity politics and the interplay between art, culture, and society in the ancient world.

The gemstones from Orghidan Collection from the Numismatic Cabinet of the Romanian Academy were briefly published in 1974 by M. Gramatopol and included 965 gems and cameos, some of them mounted in necklaces, rings, pendants, or brooches. In addition to ancient and medieval gems and cameos, there is a considerable number of gems and cameos from the Renaissance period and the following centuries. An interesting case is represented by a gemstone that can be dated to 17th-18th centuries, and which was probably made in France. The closest analogy found for this gemstone, as an iconographic model and inscription, is a busk from whalebone or ivory used on a corset and love tokens from 17th-18th centuries. However, there were also rings used on the occasion of engagements or marriages, the so-called posy rings, made and given as a promise of love, and this gemstone probably belonged to such a ring.

Metallurgy and mining made significant contributions to India's growth. India is acknowledged for possessing an abundance of diverse natural resources.. Throughout antiquity, common metals included lead, tin, mercury, copper, iron, gold, silver, and silver.During Maurya Period (322 BCE-185 BCE):In agricultural productivity and military strength Iron was a significant metal during this period. The Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft attributed to Chanakya (Kautilya), provides insights into the economic policies of the Mauryan Empire, including regulations regarding mining and taxation. The region of Bihar and Jharkhand, known for its rich mineral deposits, likely served as significant mining centres during this time. Mining operations were likely supervised by the state to ensure regular supply and revenue generation. The Sunga dynasty (185 BCE-73 BCE) succeeded the Maurya's after the decline of the Mauryan Empire. During this period, there was continuity in mining and metallurgical activities. Although the Sunga period is often characterized by political instability, economic activities such as mining and metallurgy continued to thrive. It has been discovered that iron artefacts from the 11th and 12th centuries BCE were made in Southern India. This paper makes an attempt to describe the importance of mining and metallurgy in the national economy as existed during the Maurya and the Sunga times.

Discussion of the various poll tax rates in Roman Egypt, which can be reduced to a simple scheme drawn up by the Romans upon their conquest of Egypt. This scheme suggests that in 30 BC the distribution of the population in Egypt was roughly uniform except for the Fayyum (underpopulated) and the western oases (overpopulated), possibly also Thebes (overpopulated). It also suggests that in 30 BC the distribution of the Greek population was uneven, with virtually no Greeks in Upper Egypt, possibly also the oases, and fewer Greeks in Oxyrhynchus than in other metropoleis in Lower and Middle Egypt.

This article explores the astral iconography of a unique Roman funerary relief housed in the National Museum of Copenhagen, depicting a young girl surrounded by seven stars within a crescent moon. Through comparative
analysis of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cosmological traditions, as well
as numismatic and literary sources, the study interprets this celestial imagery as a visual metaphor for the soul’s journey to the afterlife. The configuration of the stars is identified with the constellation Ursa Major (Septem Triones), suggesting a »stellar path« to eternity. This contrasts with the more commonly referenced »zodiacal path« found in philosophical traditions. By examining visual and textual parallels, including funerary monuments, coins, and astrological references, the article situates the Copenhagen relief within a broader context of elite Roman eschatological beliefs, where the stars serve both as symbols and destinations
of the soul’s celestial ascent.

The ancient city of Sillyon is located on a rocky hill at an elevation of 230 meters in the Kocagözler locality of the Yanköy neighborhood, within the Serik district of Antalya. Situated 13 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, Sillyon is bordered by Aspendos to the east and Perge to the west. As one of the most significant cities in Pamphylia, Sillyon is distinguished as the most strongly fortified site in the Pamphylian Plain, which is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Archaeological evidence suggests that Sillyon has a multi-layered history, inhabited from the Early Iron Age through to the Ottoman period, reflecting an uninterrupted historical continuum.

This two-part article aims to explore the usefulness of the concept of ‘object biography’ through the study of a haematite gemstone. The object biography is understood as a combination between Jody Joy’s 'Reinvigorating Object Biography: Reproducing the Drama of Object Lives’ and Erwin Panofsky’s famous essay ‘Zum Problem der Beschreibung und Inhaltsdeutung von Werken der bildenden Kunst’ in which he argued that there are three levels on which one can study an image: the preiconographical, the iconographical, and the iconological level.
In the first part of this article, a gemstone with inventory number CBd-3383 is analysed in detail on the basis of these levels. Based on this analysis, an attempt is made at constructing the ‘life’ of the object: from its place of manufacture to its Nachleben. In the second part of the essay, the importance of this particular intaglio is highlighted: the image, the Greek letters, hieroglyphs and charactêres, which all appear on CBd-3383, fulfilled the same function: to repel a stomach illness. This indicates that for most people in the Roman Empire the distinction between letters and images could not be made as easily as we might assume. The article concludes that engraved gems help us to ask critical questions about our
implicit assumptions concerning the ancient world.

The amino acid composition of a protein can tell you a lot about it’s health implications. For example a protein source high in sulfur amino acids (methionine and cysteine) can affect methionine metabolism and, ultimately, health. Cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid, because it can be synthesized endogenously from methionine. Thus, when a dietary protein provides enough methionine beyond the need for cellular protein synthesis, the remaining surplus can be used to synthesize cysteine. Therefore, when a dietary protein has a cysteine concentration in balance with methionine, the need to utilize methionine for its synthesis is reduced. This is often referred to as the methionine-sparing effect of cysteine. Disciplines Food Chemistry | Food Processing | Food Science | Human and Clinical Nutrition | Molecular, Genetic, and Biochemical Nutrition Comments This article is published as Schalinske, K.L. (Fall 2010) High quality proteins can impact circulating homocysteine levels...

This contribution examines four variations of the Nausicaa theme:
Homer’s Odyssey, the Munich vase by the Nausicaa Painter, Goethe’s Nausicaa fragment, and the poem by Aranka Bálint set to music by Zoltán Kodály. By comparing these four variations, each treated as equivalent in this study, I will explore how the myth is shaped by each genre. In the Odyssee, we encounter the archetypal story of »silent love« embodied by Nausicaa. The Nausicaa Painter’s vase emphasises the hopelessness of this relationship through the presence of Athena. Goethe’s composition is a tragedy, where Nausicaa ultimately chooses death. In the Bálint – Kodály song tension arises from Nausicaa’s lingering feeling of incompleteness, of something unfinished as she continues her life.

Sri Lanka, often celebrated as the "Island of Gems," possesses one of the oldest and most prestigious gem mining heritages in the world, with a legacy that spans over 2,000 years. From the blue sapphires that adorned royal crowns to stones traded along the Silk Road, the island's mineral wealth has historically drawn interest from kings, merchants, and explorers alike. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the gem mining industry's historical trajectory, starting from its documented presence in ancient chronicles such as the Mahavamsa and foreign travelogues by explorers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta. It investigates traditional mining techniques such as pit and riverbed mining, emphasizing how indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable practices have shaped the extraction process through generations. Beyond its geological abundance, the study explores the socioeconomic dimensions of the industry, including its role in rural livelihoods, artisanal communities, and the broader export economy. The cultural integration of gems into Sri Lankan society through astrology, rituals, and belief systems is also explored as a unique facet of national identity. Drawing on archaeological evidence, colonial archives, contemporary government reports, and global market analysis, this paper traces the evolution of the gem sector from ancient trade routes to its modern engagement with international buyers and ethical sourcing movements. Furthermore, the research addresses critical challenges confronting the industry today, including environmental degradation, regulatory inefficiencies, illegal mining, and the lack of local value addition in gem processing. The paper concludes by discussing emerging opportunities for sustainable development, heritage tourism, and digital traceability systems to preserve and enhance this centuries-old industry in the face of globalization and environmental change.

Keywords: Germanic Settlement, Roman Period, Quadi Tribe, Germanic Tribes, Roman Pottery, Germanic Pottery

In 2017, a rescue archaeological excavation was carried out in connection with the reconstruction of
Šrobárova Street, located in close proximity to the medieval walls of Trnava. Several archaeological features were
documented in the central part of the street, where the excavation reached or intersected the loess subsoil. Given
the shallow nature of the excavation, only the bottoms of the features were uncovered. The topography of this
central section suggests that the original ground level had been modified in the past. The material recovered from
features dated to the Roman period is considerably fragmented. A particularly noteworthy find is a fragment of
imported Samian ware (terra sigillata), indicating active trade relations. Based on the presence of characteristic
elements of imported and Germanic pottery – such as plastic decoration (barbotine), wedge-shaped incisions,
and the “herringbone” motif – the settlement can be dated from the late phase of the Early Roman Period to the
early phase of the Late Roman Period.

This article explores the astral iconography of a unique Roman funerary relief housed in the National Museum of Copenhagen, depicting a young girl surrounded by seven stars within a crescent moon. Through comparative
analysis of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cosmological traditions, as well
as numismatic and literary sources, the study interprets this celestial imagery as a visual metaphor for the soul’s journey to the afterlife. The configuration of the stars is identified with the constellation Ursa Major (Septem Triones), suggesting a »stellar path« to eternity. This contrasts with the more commonly referenced »zodiacal path« found in philosophical traditions. By examining visual and textual parallels, including funerary monuments, coins, and astrological references, the article situates the Copenhagen relief within a broader context of elite Roman eschatological beliefs, where the stars serve both as symbols and destinations
of the soul’s celestial ascent.

The Cairo Genizah preserves numerous magical texts, many of which contain magical signs and symbols. However, the figure of the ouro- boros – that is, the circular snake that devours its own tail – appears only in a small number of Cairo Genizah magical texts. In my paper, I describe three such instances, and focus on a Genizah fragment that displays a unique design of seven or eight rows of magic signs (charaktêres) surrounded by an ouroboros, and contains magical recipes on the other side. Such designs were quite common on ancient magical gems, and in late antiquity they were transferred to other media as well, such as papyrus or thin sheets of metal. It therefore is likely that one of these designs kept on being copied into the Middle Ages, including on this specific fragment. And although the magical recipes on the recto of this folio are fragmentary, they seem to enjoin the use of the circular design on the verso, which is to be engraved on unbaked clay or on other writing surfaces and used in rituals for erotic aims.

Keywords: Germanic Settlement, Roman Period, The Great Rye Island, Quadi Tribe, Germanic Tribes

The paper deals with the composition and structure of Quadi settlements in the Roman period on the
territory of the specific microregion of the Great Rye Island using the case of the Kvetoslavov I site. The settlement
was excavated in 2015 by AA Terra Antiqua Ltd. as part of the construction of the R7 highway. During the
research, 52 features were found, which can be dated to the Roman period. The contribution analyses the spatial
and geographical disposition of the settlement, as well as the typological composition of the uncovered features.
The subject is also an analysis of the relations between production and residential structures, their distribution
within the settlement, and the division of space based on the prevailing types of features.

The mountain regions of Slovakia, forming part of the Carpathian range, are well known for hillforts located at exceptionally high elevations. These sites have been first identified in the Liptov region and interpreted as refugia, following the conventional designation used in Central European archaeology for fortified places of safety situated on mountain summits. They were originally attributed to the Lusatian culture during the Late Hallstatt period. Large numbers of cobble-sized oval stones from river deposits, gathered as defensive ammunition, and archaeological evidence of violent destruction by fire have been recorded at several such sites. Recent analysis of high-resolution terrain maps supported by airborne laser scanning has revealed comparable sites in other parts of Slovakia, specifically in the Varínka and Kysuca river regions (Malá Fatra and Kysucká vrchovina mountains). Although few artefacts permit precise dating, the evidence suggests use in the latest Lusatian phase. Ancient literary parallels exist, notably Xenophon’s Anabasis (4.7), which describes the Taochi tribe in northeastern Anatolia defending a mountain refuge with only stones against Greek mercenaries. While geographically distant, this account offers a valuable analogy for interpreting similar behaviour and the significance of such sites in the north-western Carpathians.

The recent excavation at Kendice, Pri Rybníčku in North-Eastern Slovakia has revealed a complex, multi-period site with notable Roman period features. The settlement, dating back to the Early and Late Roman periods, contains a range of structures and artifacts, including fireplaces, kilns, and storage pits, indicating a likely small homestead with evidence of iron production. The settlement’s location along a strategic route between Prešov and the confluence of Hornád and Svinka rivers suggests its establishment within a broader regional network of Roman-period communities. Notably, the pottery assemblage at Kendice shows a mixed cultural influence of the Przeworsk and Dacian traditions, offering insights into the interactions and temporal placement within the Roman cultural framework. The absence of grey, wheel-made pottery and other specific artifacts suggests that this settlement was likely abandoned by the early stages of the Late Roman period, with occupation shifting to nearby sites.

In the Slovak National Museum – Archaeological Museum collections in Bratislava, there is a gold ring with a gem from Hlohovec, from the municipal district of Šulekovo, location Na Španie. The object comes from the location of the Germanic settlement. The ring has an oval plate and an oval-shaped casket. The band is lined with filigree. The gem set into the casket is a transparent burgundy-colored stone with a white patch on the edge. On the gem, a figure of a rider on horseback is engraved. The ring’s band is decorated with relatively coarse granulation at the shoulder. The gem is dated to the 3rd century and was probably used secondarily in the ring.
Discoveries of luxury items within the settlement environment of the barbarian are a rarity, but when viewed in the context of the nearby Roman frontier, they take on a new significance. This gold ring, with its gem and intricate engravings, is a testament to the cultural exchange and influence that existed between these two worlds.

El presente artículo aborda el fenómeno de la magia erótica en la Antigüedad, con especial atención a su función dentro de las gemas mágicas, uno de los principales testimonios de la magia material conservados. El estudio se desarrolla a partir de un enfoque histórico-filológico que permite comprender el contexto cultural e histórico de los textos, complementado con una perspectiva interdisciplinar en la que la arqueología y la iconografía desempeñan un papel fundamental. En primer lugar, se ofrece una introducción general al mundo de la magia erótica y su relación con la magia agresiva y las defixiones, ilustrada con ejemplos literarios e históricos. Posteriormente, se analiza la conexión entre magia y mitología, destacando la presencia de determinadas figuras míticas y el poder performativo del mito, con especial atención a las historiolae. Tras contextualizar el fenómeno, se examina el ámbito material y tecnológico de las gemas mágicas, incluyendo su descripción, clasificación y las representaciones míticas que contienen. Finalmente, se presenta un análisis de caso centrado en el hechizo conocido como “La Espada de Dárdano”, en el que se sintetiza su contenido y se examinan detalladamente sus diferentes componentes.

La figura histórica de la mujer como practicante de magia en la antigüedad grecorromana se ha visto silenciada y distorsionada a través del tiempo. La mujer y la magia se encuadran en el mismo lugar marginal de la sociedad, dentro de los límites de la a-normatividad impuestos por las grandes élites socioculturales del momento. Asimismo, ambos conceptos sufren una adopción paulatina de connotaciones negativas que se van acrecentando con el tiempo. En este artículo se hace un recorrido diacrónico analizando los principales testimonios de las figuras femeninas que practicaban magia y relacionando dichas figuras con el mundo literario y la sociedad del momento. Este análisis se realiza desde un punto de vista multidisciplinar que nos permite ofrecer un panorama de estudio más rico y amplio.

Francis Barrett’s “Magus” describes a system of talismans based on magic squares associated with each planet, reflecting their order and magical properties. These squares, along with planetary numbers, Hebrew names, and seals, were inscribed on talismans to confer specific benefits. Éliphas Lévi further developed this system, incorporating the pentagram and Seal of Solomon, emphasizing their symbolic significance and potential for both good and evil.

Talismanic magic, though often dismissed as nonsense, likely held some truth due to its enduring belief. The “occult-force theory” suggests talismans store mental energy, but the true explanation lies in the “transcendental theory,” where the talisman’s power stems from the believer’s mind and imagination. This theory highlights the influence of spirit on matter through the nervous system, emphasizing the role of belief and conviction in achieving desired outcomes.

The text explores the concept of talismanic magic, suggesting that the power attributed to talismans lies not in the objects themselves but in the belief and imagination of the user. It highlights the influence of the subconscious mind and the power of suggestion, citing examples like the Maori taboo and the Congo negro’s belief in a tabooed wild hen. The text also touches upon the Law of Correspondences, proposing that the efficacy of magical symbols and rituals lies in their ability to condition the spiritual influx into the material world.

В сборнике представлены материалы научной конференции «Античные реликвии Херсонеса: открытия, находки, теории», состоявшейся в Государственном историкоархеологическом музее-заповеднике « Херсонес Таврический» 22-26 сентября 2025 года. Тематика конференции традиционно связана с античной эпохой в истории Херсонеса Таврического и Причерноморья в широком контексте древнего сердиземноморского мира. Материалы конференции отражают разнообразные направления научного изучения античной цивилизации. Среди работ -публикации новых находок, интерпретации археологических и письменных источников, материалы раскопок последних лет, а также архивные и фондовые коллекции различных музеев и институтов. Несколько исследований посвящены истории науки, в том числе жизни и деятельности Мирона Ильича Золотарёва (1945-2004) выдающегося исследователя херсонесской античности. Сборник рассчитан на профессиональных историков, археологов, эпиграфистов, антропологов, специалистов по охране культурного наследия, а также на всех интересующихся древней историей и археологическими памятниками северного побережья Черного моря. УД К 94(902 + 904)»652»(063) ББК 63.48(2Рос-6Крм)

The sarcophagus under examination here is kept in the Diachronic Museum of Larissa (inv. no. 1993/74). It was discovered by chance in September 1993 during the course of municipal works in N. Douka St., in the southeastern part of modern Larissa, in Thessaly (Greece). The coffin was retrieved intact from the trench that had been dug by the excavator along the axis of the road, while a variety of small and large fragments of its lid were gathered from the site· the latter’s fragmentary state indicated that the monument had been looted (pls. 1–2, 4). The sarcophagus (pl. 5) it is constructed of Parian white marble with grey veins. The coffin is monolithic and slightly trapezoidal in shape, and measures 2,29 (up)–2,33m (below) long, 0,86 (up)–0,89m (below) wide, 0,83m high externally (1,08m with the lid), while the thickness of its walls is 0,074−0,10m. Two mouldings with painted decoration run around the upper and lower edges of the body: a Lesbian cymatium on the lower moulding, with leaves in blue on a red background, and an Ionic cymatium on the upper, with alternating red and blue (?) leaves (“eggs”) on a yellow background. The external surfaces of the body on all four sides are adorned with two recessed slightly trapezoidal shallow panels. The corners internally are reinforced with quarter columns (pls. 3, 5–9, 11). The lid (pl. 10), which is made of the same marble, is rectangular and takes the form of a pitched roof with two low pediments at the narrow ends and six acroteria. The tympanum of both pediments is adorned with the figure of a lion walking to the left painted in yellow (pls. 7–8, 11). This representation has an apotropaic character, with the animal symbolically standing guard over the dead occupant and protecting the tomb from any attempts to loot it. Α band of painted decoration also runs around the vertical face of the lid, consisting of a meander (whose colouring has not survived) and abacus ornaments inside rectangles on an alternating yellow and red background (pl. 11). The painted decoration is generally in a very fragmentary state, with much of the colouring having fallen off. 55
All Raman measurements were, as expected, quite noisy either due to environmental contamination from the burial environment or the presence of organic mixtures in the binding material. Measurements were averaged from different coloured spots on the sarcophagus, and specifically the best-preserved. Red colour traces based on the existence of Mercury (Hg) were identified as Cinnabar. From the XRF analyses of clear points on the marble and the absence of Iron (Fe) as a trace element in the marble, the coexistence of Iron in the XRF measurements of Cinnabar may be due to contamination from the burial environment or from the nearby yellow pigment, which is based on Iron (Fe) or even a trace element from the Cinnabar source. Also, at the same Raman spectrum of Cinnabar a peak at 1.053cm-1 was identified as organic. For the yellow colour traces, XRF analysis revealed the use of iron oxide (FexOx). In addition, the Raman analyses revealed that the ore used for the production of this yellow pigment was Jarosite. More analytically, i) in the Raman spectra of the present work there is a vibration peak at 287cm-1, which is matched to the characteristic vibration peak of Jarosite at 294cm-1, and ii) the obtained spectrum (as a spectral line) is completely identical to that of Jarosite from the Lavrion mines in Greece. The blue colour traces based on the existence of Copper (Cu) and the matching of the Raman spectra with the reference material, were identified as “Egyptian Blue”. The black colour traces were based on the existence of Manganese (Mn), which corresponds to the black pigment of Manganese.

Solomonica Magica is the first comprehensive survey of 'Solomonic' or 'Holy Rider' amulets from the Mediterranean of Late Antiquity and Early Byzantium. Hundreds of magical gems, leaf-shaped pendants, circular medallions, and other apotropaic objects—many of which were previously unpublished—are presented against the backdrop of a parabiblical tradition involving Solomon the Magician and Sisinnius the Demon-Hunter. All Greek texts have received fresh critical editions and English translations. The text of the monograph is richly illustrated with over 700 images, many newly commissioned specifically for this volume.

This paper explores the historical use of gagates (jet stone) as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in ancient medicine, particularly in relation to epilepsy, through a taxonomic framework that classifies its functions, applications, and symbolic meanings. Gagates, a black fossilized material, was primarily used in fumigation rituals to diagnose the "sacred disease" by triggering seizures when its smoke was inhaled by epileptic patients. In the therapeutic taxonomy, gagates addressed diverse conditions: it was used to repel snakes, treat so-called female ailments, and alleviate various issues such as heart problems and intestinal worms. The paper delves into the physiological and astrological theories underlying this practice, emphasizing the direct connection between respiration and the brain, which was believed to be the seat of cognitive function. It examines the cosmological associations of gagates, particularly its link to the planet Saturn, which governed the nervous system and black bile in ancient medical and astrological thought. By synthesizing ancient texts and archaeological findings, this paper demonstrates how gagates exemplifies a broader taxonomic structure in ancient healing practices, reflecting the integration of natural materials, physiological knowledge, and cosmic forces. These taxonomies underscore the systematic organization of ancient medicine, where lithic materials like gagates embodies interconnected natural, medical, and astrological beliefs.