Exploring Necromancy: History and Practices

This chapter investigates the ancient practice of necromancy, emphasizing its ties to divination and spirit consultation rather than just the modern notion of raising the dead. It revisits historical accounts of necromancy from civilizations like China and Mesopotamia, leading to the medieval Christian perspectives that often disapproved of such practices. The discussion also examines emotional motivations behind humanity’s desire to communicate with the dead, exploring archaeological evidence and funerary rituals that reflect these complex beliefs.