Join social historian and archaeologist Dr Debora Moretti for an illuminating evening exploring the history of witchcraft and its connections with gender. This talk examines how patriarchal ideas shaped the image of a witch, why women were often targeted in accusations and trials, and how communities across early modern Europe understood magic, illness and healing.
Dr Moretti draws on real-life stories from Roman Inquisition records to reveal the lives, beliefs and magical practices of people both accused and persecuted. Approaching the subject through a feminist lens, the session questions the common assumption that witchcraft was solely a female crime and considers how beliefs about gender, power and the supernatural shaped persecution and control.
The event is designed for anyone interested in social history, archaeology, folklore and the history of ideas. Dr Moretti has published widely on magic and witchcraft, contributes to major reference works, and regularly presents to public and academic audiences, bringing complex material to life for a general audience.
Doors open at 6:45pm and the talk starts at 7:30pm at the GlassBox Theatre. A short Q&A will follow the presentation, so come prepared with questions. Arrive early to secure a good seat and enjoy an engaging, thought provoking evening that will change the way you think about witchcraft and gender in history.
