Alchemy, Medicine and Religion: Zosimus of Panopolis and the Egyptian Priests

This paper explores the role played by Egyptian priests, daimons and medicine in Zosimus of Panopolis' (third to fourth century CE) alchemical discourse. By translating and commenting on some relevant passages of his oeuvre, preserved either in Greek or in Syriac translation, I will discuss three key-aspects of the cultural and mythological framework in which Zosimus placed the alchemical practice: 1. the socalled 'well-timed tinctures' and their relations with astrology and daimonic agency; 2. the role of books in the practice of medicine and alchemy; 3. the acquaintance of late-antique Egyptian priests with specific 'arts', in particular alchemy, medicine and dyeing techniques (mostly related to the making of statues).