ABSTRACT
This chapter turns to the role of the supernatural in the healing practices of the fourth century. Although professional medical practitioners were available to treat people's ailments, in both Syria and Palestine people also sought supernatural assistance to overcome, and even to incite, the malevolent forces culpable for inflicting illness. The extant evidence for both regions shows that a variety of methods were utilised in healing, or harming, including such familiar items as amulets and curse tablets. From these artefacts, as well as the homiletic comments of John Chrysostom and hagiographical accounts relating to both provinces, it will be argued in the course of the discussion that the notion of supernaturally caused illness is a fundamental element underlying practices involving sickness. Furthermore, it is this notion that, contrary to popular scholarly consensus, situates supernatural healing methods not as the final remedial resort but as a common alternative option to that provided by contemporary medical practitioners. Finally, it will be proposed that the practice of healing consequently provided a powerful forum for the promotion of effective supernatural prowess, and subsequently its religious or supernal affiliation.
