The Witches of the Ancient World

Teignbridge Archaeological Society Presents a Halloween Special with Dr Daniel Ogden A tour of the more prominent witches in Greek and Roman literature and art. On the Greek side we'll look at Circe and Medea, who are particularly well represented on ancient vases. We'll also take in Hecate, 'the witch goddess.' On the Roman side we'll look at Horace's cruel Canidia, the first 'hag witch' of the western tradition, together with Lucan's Erictho and Apuleius' Meroe (and others). We'll also take in the striges, a folkloric entity half way between witch and demoness. No artistic representations attach to these Roman phenomena, but the vividness of the tales in which they feature more than makes up. Themed cakes and sweets!