Some remarks on a “puella habens spiritum phytonis” and an alleged exorcism: Some Considerations

Abstract

The present contribution aims to provide a legal analysis of Act. Ap. 16. 11-24. During their preaching in Filippi, Paolo and Sila were brought to the agora by some Roman colonists, who accused them before the authorities of 'causing great turmoil in the city' and 'disseminating customs' that the Romans were not allowed 'to adopt or practice'. In the light of the peculiar formulation of these accusations and the various scholarly opinions expressed in this regard, this contribution will investigate the legal nature of the charges moved against them and the source of the power of the duumviri of Filippi to sanction the two missionaries.