This is an accessible exploration of ancient Greek and Roman magic methods and motivations. Magic was prevalent in the ancient world, transforming flowers into fruit and caterpillars into butterflies. Before scientific understanding of weather patterns and mysterious phenomena, magic generated energy and caused thunderbolts. Author Philip Matyszak transports readers to this era, detailing how ancient Greeks and Romans created love potions, cast curses, communicated with the dead, and protected against evil spirits. Gods interacted with humans, and people could talk to spirits and deities, even becoming divine. Ancient Magic combines classical historiography with practical how-to guides, using diverse sources and lavish illustrations to engage readers in the supernatural. (This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)