Latin Curse Tablets of the Roman Empire

Abstract

The aim of this study is to map and analyse the extant Latin defixiones, whose production within the Roman Empire is attested from the second to early fifth century CE. Extant are altogether about five hundred Latin curse texts, most of which are inscribed on lead tablets. These were intended to affect the actions or health of people/animals against their will with the help of supernatural powers. As such, they provide the epigraphical evidence of magical practices which were widespread throughout the whole Mediterranean of antiquity. They are often aimed at rivals, e.g. in circus or in love, opponents in lawsuits, or enemies, in general. Additionally, there is a special category of so-called prayers for justice, which are traditionally classified among defixiones and share several characteristics with them. They are predominantly used against thieves, and are meant to harm or eliminate the culprit. At the same time, their aim is to achieve justice: returning the stolen property, a “just” punishment, or revenge for the damage suffered. This study examines the occurrences, development and expansion of Latin cursing tradition in the various provinces of the Roman Empire; determines the specific geographical and cultural peculiarities of the texts; explores the expansion of the types of curses and cursing formulae; and observes the tendencies in their development, their mutual interaction and the adaptation of the Mediterranean magical tradition especially in the more remote areas. The work is based on a corpus of 309 Latin curse texts, most of which are translated and commented. The study is accompanied by an appendix, consisting of a corpus of these texts.

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