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- Apuleius born in Madauros (northern Africa) in 120's CE. - writer of various works, including Metamorphoses (or Golden Ass) - His other writings deal with magic, oratory, and philosophy The Metamorphoses- novel describing the adventures of Lucius - based on a Greek original, but greatly altered, especially:
- Lucius' transformation results from his curiosity - he visits the home of Milo & Pamphile (the local witch) - relationship with Photis, the servant girl, leads to accidental transformation - mind remains intact &endash; so animal in form, but with human consciousness - observer of human wickedness & depravity - restored to human form by the Egyptian goddess Isis. A Fable?- Cupid and Psyche has been interpreted symbolically. - is the Isaic conversion serious? Roman Systems of Belief1. the State religion (based largely on the Olympian pantheon) 2. various superstitions, e.g. witchcraft, fortune-telling, astrology, numerology 3. philosophical religious systems 4. various mystery religions (including Christianity) Magic and Superstition- belief in magic & witchcraft was widespread - beneficent sorcery was approved and even official.
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