Magic, Power and Intrigue: The Fear of Magic in Late Antiquity
In late antiquity, a time of profound upheavals and uncertainties, a pronounced fear of magical practices developed among the Christian emperors. This fear was not only an expression of religious beliefs, but was also used specifically as a political tool. The accusation of magic often served as a pretext to avoid unpleasant rivals and competitorsclear. In this context, Maximinus, a Pannonian from a simple background who, through legal expertise and political skills, was able to establish himself in the highest circles of the empire, acted particularly skilfully. His rise began with the administration of remote provinces such as Corsica, Sardinia and Etruria, continued with the responsibility for theGrain supply of the capital Rome and finally culminated in the role of deputy to the sick city prefect Olybrius.
The witch hunt of Maximinus and their consequences
Maximinus used his position of power to inform Emperor Valentinian, who resided in Trier, of alleged magical machinations. He claimed Olybrius was put out of action by poison and black magic. Equipped with an Imperial Edict that gave him extensive powers, Maximinus began a merciless campaign against the Romanaristocracy. The torture of self-respected citizens became common practice to force confessions and confiscate assets. The fate of the young Lollianus, who came into the focus of the investigation as the son of a former city prefect, was particularly tragic. He was accused of writing a book on harmful magical arts as a minor. Despite oneAppellation procedure for the Emperor ended his life in exile and finally through the executioner’s sword in a distant province. Other defendants, such as Campensis, were also executed for fortune telling or poisonous mixing. Maximinus personally benefited from the convicts’ confiscated possessions and continued to rise until he himself under Emperor Gratian of Political Purgefell victim.
Magic processes away from the capital
However, most trials of magical offenses did not take place at the center of power, but in the remote provinces of the vast empire. There, far from the attention of historians, numerous people were accused of magic and condemned. Only by fortunate circumstances have some of these cases been handed down, such as the famous trial against Apuleius,Writers, philosophers and speakers from North Africa. Apuleius, born in Madauros, had trained as a speaker in Carthage and later moved to Athens, where he was instructed in various mystery cults. His travels took him through Greece, Asia Minor and Italy until he finally became a lawyer in Rome.
The intrigues around Apuleius and Pudentilla
During a stay in Oea, today’s Tripoli, Apuleius fell ill and found admission to his friend Pontianus’ family. His mother, Pudentilla, was widowed and involved in a bitter inheritance dispute with her father-in-law. Pontianus arranged a marriage between Apuleius and his mother to protect her from further attacks. But this connection called theResistance of the greedy Rufinus, who saw his own interests threatened. Rufinus publicly accused Apuleius of magic and poisonous mixing to prevent marriage and gain influence on the inheritance. Through targeted manipulation and spreading out of context of torn letters, he managed to drive a wedge between Pontianus and Apuleius. the situationWhen Pudentilla escalated to her sons during his lifetime on the advice of Apuleius, which led to further family rifts after the sudden death of Pontianus.
The trial in Sabratha and the defense of Apuleius
The conflict led to a sensational trial before the proconsul Claudius Maximus in Sabratha on the Libyan coast. Pudentilla was represented by Apuleius while her younger son Pudens was supported by his uncle Aemilianus. Aemilianus accused Apuleius not only of magic, but also of the murder of Pontianus. The prosecution was based on rumors, personalhostilities and the desire to seize the family’s assets. Apuleius defended himself with an artfully designed speech in which he unmasked the absurdity of the accusations and revealed the intrigues of his opponents. His defense is still an important source of understanding how to deal with allegations of magic in Roman Africa.
Magic, Society and Jurisdiction in Late Antiquity
The trials against alleged magicians and magicians show how closely religious fears, social tensions and political power struggles were intertwined in late antiquity. The accusation of magic was a sharp sword that could be directed against both the elite and ordinary citizens. The fear of the supernatural was felt by ambitious men like MaximinusInstrumentalized specifically to gain personal benefits and eliminate rivals. At the same time, the traditional court proceedings reveal how much the legal system was of personal relationships, intrigues and the pursuit of wealth and influence. The story of Apuelius and Pudentilla impressively illustrates how easy the accusation of magic to weapon in familyand social conflicts.
The Legacy of Magic Processes
The fear of magic and the associated processes left deep traces in late antiquity society. They helped to reinforce the climate of distrust and uncertainty that shaped many areas of public and private life. At the same time, the traditional stories show how people tried to fight against unjust despite all the adversitiesto defend against allegations and prove their innocence. The events surrounding Maximinus, Apuleius and their contemporaries are an impressive testimony to the complexity and complexity of the late antique world, in which magic, power and human weaknesses were inextricably interwoven.
