Curses

During the start of the 1^st Century A.D., there were Romans who had very unique ideas about how religion worked. They believed that people could pray to their gods, to improve their own lives, and to ruin others. Many people would wonder why others would want to cause others harm.

In recent years, archeologists have discovered several tablets where ancient Roman civilization used to dwell. Some of the tablets are made of lead, and others are made from pewter, with inscriptions carved into them, asking for a god to grant the writer's the suffering of another individual. These tablets, are called “defixiones,” or, “curse tablets.” A few hundred have been excavated in Britain alone, and approximately ninety have been dug up in the historic town of Aquae Sulis.

The procedure of creating a curse tablet could follow a couple of methods. The first step, was to identify the intended recipient of the tablet-maker's wrath, and then inscribe it on the tablet. If the owner did not know the name of the victim, than they'd write an inventory of potential names instead. The next step was to explain the crime committed against the tablet's creator. Finally, they would identify the deity they wanted to do the act, and provide a description of how to go about the punishment, which would usually be very detailed, and very gory. Upon completion, the tablet would be rolled up, and either attached to a tomb, or dropped down a well.

Sometimes the tablet might have been more elaborate than just mere words. Some people had an idea that if written backwards, the words of the curse would have greater effects. Another idea for augmenting the potency of the tablet involved nonsensical words that did not exist. These included, “bazarga; bescue; berebescue; phrix; phrox;” and even, “abracadabra.” Some even included illustrations depicting demons or other mythological figures. In today's society, there would be many people who would disagree with this belief, given that it shows such malice towards others.

It is fascinating that the Romans, “... tended to see their gods as possible allies in the struggles of life.” (Cambridge, Page 42). However, there are some people who would disagree with the way the Romans applied the boon of divine alliance to the expense of another person, there are others who would promote the belief of a higher power looking out for individuals happiness and well-being.

Bibliography:

Cambridge Latin III