Chapter 20 Building Ritual Agency: Foundations, Floors, Doors, and Walls
In: Guide to the Study of Ancient Magic
Author:
Andrew T. Wilburn
Andrew T. Wilburn
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Abstract
Looks at the material evidence for ritual practices involved in the buildings of the ancient Mediterranean. Utilizing literary and archaeological evidence, it analyzes each component of construction from the preparations of a site and its foundation to floors, walls, doors, and roofs. Apotropaic materials are most vitally connected to buildings, but one also finds evidence of aggressive ritual devices seeking to do harm. Acts of ritual protection are also involved in the transformation of buildings -- to cleanse and purify spaces.