Semiotic structures in two early Byzantine amulets

What is it about?

The term ‘magic’ is problematic. ‘Magical’ texts use conventional signs, symbols, and language, such as persuasive analogy, speech-acts, and show-acts, to organize information. These conventional semiotic structures are also present in religious, medical, and philosophical examples. Two early Byzantine amulets demonstrate these structures.

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Photo by Dan Farrell on Unsplash

Photo by Dan Farrell on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Magic studies call for a change in the modern scholarly assumptions regarding structures of authority, which have until now shaped a typical understanding of late antiquity. Magic studies is interdisciplinary, and it encourages critique of modern assumptions regarding authority and of our intellectual colonization of times past. Future studies must evolve ways to integrate different disciplines more seamlessly.

Perspectives