Abstract
This paper represents first Czech attempt to comprise the history of research on the Mandaic pre-classical texts. These magic bowls and metal amulets are dated circa at the last four centuries of the antiquity and were found in Mesopotamia.
The author writes first of all about early archaeological expeditions, their important figures and pioneering efforts to decipher the Mandaic magic texts. The works of such scholars as Henri Pognon, Rudolf Macúch or Joseph Naveh and their contributions are discussed.
Also the views of contemporary researchers are mentioned. Christa Müller-Kessler, Erica Hunter and Matthew Morgenstern are the most sounding voices of the present day.
At the end of the paper author speaks about the future publications on the Mandaic pre-classical texts. A short study about the clients and their families in this magical literature is also presented along with a debate on the relevance of the pre-classical texts for the Mandaic studies.