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Subproject A03 addresses the materiality and presence of magical signs between Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The main theme of the second funding period was Destruction of and Protection from Enemies with the Assistance of Higher Powers. Research in the third funding period is dedicated to Gaining Favour (UP1) and the Enforcement of Law (UP2) by Means of Higher Powers. The two A03 subprojects are linked to the items investigated in the first two funding periods in two ways. First, artefact categories (amulets) and writing materials (cut stones, lead plates) that have been the subject of systematic analysis will be used again. Second, there is clear thematic continuity: it is necessary to analyse a wealth of different sources and to discuss the materiality and presence of magical signs in greater detail both from a perspective within this subject field and from a transcultural perspective.
These two topics open up fascinating questions: What is the extent of the connection between practices for gaining favour and the actual social and private dimensions of those involved (Subproject 1)? To what extent can connections be drawn between social realities and the materials, forms and practices of pleas directed towards gods? What does this say about the relationship to any existing secular authorities (Subproject 2)?
Magical practices permeate broad parts of pre-modern life and are reflected in a wide range of materials and written forms of expression. Subproject A03 is in this context an important interface between CRC 933 and the other subprojects via numerous points of connection.
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