Magic in Deir el-Medina: A Material, Textual and Socio-historical Study

Objective

The MagiDeM project aims to shed new light on the history of Egyptian magic and medicine by studying the medico-magical manuscripts unearthed at Deir el-Medina (DeM). This village, located in the Theban region of Egypt, was active during the New Kingdom period (Late Bronze Age, c. 1550–1070 BCE) and was home to the workmen who built the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The written material from Deir el-Medina represents more than 90% of the documentary and literary manuscripts from that period, many of which highlight the inhabitants' high level of literacy. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines the material study of the texts, philological and linguistic analysis, prosopography, and historical research, MagiDeM will help to uncover the deep-rooted beliefs of this civilization by providing a deeper understanding of the identity, intellectual profile, and role of the practitioners who copied the medico-magical texts, as well as the contexts in which they practiced their science daily. By studying the 'Sitz im Leben' of magical texts at Deir el-Medina, MagiDeM will also contribute to a broader understanding of Egyptian writing practices during the New Kingdom and their role and significance in the daily lives of ordinary people. The results will culminate in collaborative publications, an exhibition, and a fresh perspective on Egyptian magic and medicine. The outcomes include a database, academic papers, and an exhibition in collaboration with the Leiden Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.