New Books Network Korshi Dosoo and Markéta Preininger, "Papyri Copticae Magicae: Coptic Magical Texts, Volume 1: Formularies" (de Gruyter, 2023)
May 23, 2025
Korshi Dosoo, a leading expert in ancient Egyptian ritual texts, explores the fascinating world of Coptic magical texts in a recent discussion. He highlights the practical applications of spells from love to healing, revealing insights into everyday life in late ancient Egypt. The conversation dives into the evolution of the Coptic language and its interplay with Greek culture, while also addressing the complexities of defining magic in historical contexts. Dosoo shares intriguing examples, including a spell for a good singing voice and the unique ingredients needed for rituals.
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What is Coptic Language
- Coptic is the latest phase of the Egyptian language, evolving like Latin into Italian.
- It uses a Greek alphabet supplemented by Demotic signs, extensively used by Egyptian Christians from the 4th to 12th centuries.
Historical Context of Coptic Magic
- Egypt transformed from polytheistic beliefs to Christianity and then Islam within 900 years.
- Magical texts reflect continuity and change, incorporating Christian and later Islamic elements and Arabic loanwords.
Unique Texts Reveal Lived Religion
- A unique Coptic spell to protect a woman's virginity sparked research into celibate marriages in Egypt.
- Texts mentioning Isis and Horus centuries after temples closed highlight living traditions merging Christian and pagan elements.