"Mondi Magici – Magic Worlds" Napoli 3-4 marzo 2025

Magic, the art of determining the course of events by controlling nature through the use of invisible forces, rooted in beliefs and expressed through practices, is a recurring element in the cultures of all eras. We can certainly affirm that magic is one of the defining traits of Homo sapiens, although behaviors to which symbolic values can be attributed have recently been identified in Neanderthals as well. Magic, therefore, seems to have emerged during the evolutionary processes alongside our species.

The study of magic, given its chronological and geocultural transversality, naturally—or we could even say necessarily—implies an anthropological and comparative approach. In light of these considerations, and with the conviction that this is a topic to which an institution like “L’Orientale” and, in particular, a department such as ours can make a significant contribution, we have decided to organize a conference on magic for the 3rd and 4th of March 2025.

Our working group was formed within the Center for Studies on Interactions and Exchanges in the Ancient and Medieval World (CEISMA), but it also arose from informal discussions among some of us. For this reason, as you will notice from the signatures below, it has included colleagues from the Department who are not part of CEISMA from the outset. The group remains open to anyone who wishes to contribute ideas and suggestions in preparation for the March conference.

Certainly, the topic presents various facets. For instance, we consider the beliefs underlying magic, its materiality, textuality, orality, and the performative practices associated with it, not to mention the modalities of transmission and control of magical knowledge, as well as the social and political uses of magic and its relationship with religion and science. It is thus already conceivable that two days will not suffice to fully explore the topic, and we do not rule out the possibility that, following this initial overview, further initiatives focused on specific aspects may follow.

With this first circular, we would like to invite you to consider your possible involvement in the working group and/or your contribution to the conference. 

Please let us know by emailing us at ceisma@unior.it by October 15.