Abstract
This thesis argues that there is a pattern of Roman elites manipulating anxieties about magic to maintain or increase their status, wealth, and power. Magic as a term and category is very dependent on the society and period in which its being studied. A modern definition distinguishes the practices as having supernatural power over natural forces outside of the normative religion. This creates a distinction between a prayer and an incantation, though this line sometimes becomes fuzzy. This thesis focuses on the relationship between magic and Roman law; where characters were put on trial and accusers attempt to fit the defendants to stereotypes of magicians. This explored through three case studies: The story of Cresimus, the trial of Marcus Scribonius Drusus Libo, and the trial of Apuleius. Each of the cases present a new way in which laws were manipulated marking a shift from early Republic to mid Imperial period. The first case follows the freedman named Cresimus, found in Pliny’s Natural History, who was charged with charming away his neighbors’ crops. This story demonstrates anxieties about crop yields in relation to social status and land distribution that result in fears of magic. The second follows the story of Drusus Libo, as written in Tacitus’ Annals, who was convicted of treasonous activities via magic. The case demonstrates how concerns about magic had become political through issues of regime stability and a want to increase personal wealth and political standing. The final case focuses on the trial of Apuleius, from his Apologia, who was charged with charming a wealthy widow into marrying him. This case explores issues regarding xenophobia, provincial wealth, gender politics, and how accusations of magic were used to resolve them.