Article: Magical Uses of Imagery in Ancient and Medieval Byzantine Art

By Dr. Edmund C. Ryder

Adjunct Professor of Art History

Adelphi University

Abstract: Christianity was central to the outlook and personal identity of the average

Byzantine; nonetheless, there is abundant physical evidence that some types of

popular religious or “magical” practices were widespread from late antiquity to the

end of the empire. Many of these activities concerned protection from danger, and

more frequently issues of health. The word apotropaic, which literally refers to

warding away evil, is often applied to such ritual behaviors.

Keywords: History, witchcraft, Byzantine, medieval