(with Maddalena Rumor) Near Eastern Origins of Graeco-Egyptian Alchemy, in K. Geus, M. Geller, Esoteric Knowledge in Antiquity, Berlin, MPIGW Preprints, 2014 (original) (raw)

The paper investigates the interplay between Near Eastern esoteric traditions and Graeco-Egyptian alchemy, focusing on the distinction between initiated and uninitiated knowledge in both cultures. It highlights ancient Babylonian and Greek philosophical concepts of secret knowledge, tracing their evolution from mystery cults to scholarly traditions and examining their implications for understanding alchemical practices. The work argues for significant parallels between ancient esoteric texts and emerging philosophical frameworks, providing insights into the transmission of knowledge across cultures.