9/17/09. From Pagan Witchcraft to the Early Christian Witch

Film Clip: Witchcraft Through the Ages  (opening scene)

In-Class Writing Assignment:

What is the “Myth of Satan & His Human Servants” according to N. Cohn? Give a summary of his arguments (overview) rather than the details of the first page.

Lecture: Early Legal Codes, canon episcopi, Heresy, & Witchcraft

From the Pagan Witch to the Medieval Christian Witch

Spread of Chrsitianity:

Dates:

• Roman Empire:  4th century  (Christianity decreed by Theodosius)
• England:  7th century
• Germany:  9th century
• Scandinavia:  11th-12th century

Campaign Against Paganism:

Definitions of Pagan “Witchcraft” in Early Christian Legal Codes:

Canon Episcopi and Heresy

Witchcraft & the Canon episcopi:

Men:

“Wicked Women”:

Canon episcopi: Significance for Christian view of Witches

Heresy: