Magic and religion was inseparable in the first human civilisations of the Fertile Crescent and the Nile. The Gods were active in the world, and could be bargained with and sometimes commanded by humans. But what was one mans legitimate prayer was his enemy's witchcraft, and all manner of natural events were blamed on the supernatural shenanigans of evil men.

This episode primarily makes use of the following texts:

Farber, W. Witchcraft, Magic, and Divination in Ancient Mesopotamia

Schwemer, D. Witchcraft and War: the Ritual Fragment Ki

Pinch, G. Egyptian Mythology: A guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of ancient Egypt

For a full show bibliography and attributions for music and sound used in this episode, please see the website: http://thehistoryofwitchcraft.co.uk

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015 - The Sorcerers of the Pharaohs