Episode Summary

From ancient Mesopotamia to modern-day claims of possession, this episode delves into the long, complex, and often misunderstood history of exorcism. We explore religious, cultural, legal, and social dimensions: what exorcism meant in different cultures, how it evolved, how it intersects with mental health, and why it remains both feared and ritualized in many parts of the world.

Suggested Further Reading & Sources

• National Geographic — “Catholic exorcisms are real—and they have an ancient history” by Melissa Sartore

• History.com — “Exorcisms: The Centuries-Long History of Expelling Evil”

• Catholic.com — “The Early History of Exorcism”

• EBSCO Research Starters — “Exorcism” (Social Sciences & Humanities)

• Mental Floss — “6 Chilling Historical Exorcisms”

• Case-specific sources:

• Clarita Villanueva possession (Philippines, 1953)

• Exorcism of Roland Doe / Robbie Mannheim (USA, 1949)

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