Exorcists of the Ancient World Obscure Demonology
Summary
This episode explores the history of exorcism across ancient civilizations, beginning with Mesopotamia’s Ashipu priests who used incantations and the Makluh ritual to banish demons. It then examines Egyptian practices involving protective magicians and the Bentresh stele, followed by Vedic India’s Atharvan priests who employed mantras and fire to expel spirits. The narrative continues with China’s state-sponsored Fangxiang Shi and shamanic Wu, before concluding with the eclectic purification rites and magical papyri of the Greco-Roman world.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Ancient beliefs in demons and spirits
Mesopotamian exorcism: Ashipu, rituals, and the Makluh series
Ancient Egypt: Priests, magic, and the Bentresh Stele
Vedic India: Atharva Veda priests and spiritual healing
Ancient China: Shamans, the Grand Nuo, and folk practices
Greco-Roman world: Seers, magical papyri, and Apollonius
Early Christianity: Jesus, apostles, and saintly exorcists
Conclusion and acknowledgments to supporters
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