A 2nd-century ancient Greek curse tablet was found in the Netherlands, revealing a spell to harm an enemy.
Key facts
- •The ancient Greek curse tablet was found in the Netherlands during excavation work in Heerlen.
- •The tablet dates to the second century A.D. and comes from the Roman province of Lower Germania.
- •The tablet measures about 9.3 by 4.8 centimeters and carries a Greek inscription written in an Egyptian style.
- •The inscription includes three symbols known as Characteres and names two men and two women, all described as fellow slaves.
Researchers at Heidelberg University have deciphered an ancient Greek curse tablet found in the Netherlands. The lead tablet, which dates to the second century A.D., was meant to harm an enemy by calling on gods and demons. It was discovered during excavation work in Heerlen, on the site of a former Roman military post called Coriovallum.
Tablet Discovery
The tablet measures about 9.3 by 4.8 centimeters and carries a Greek inscription written in an Egyptian style. Most curse tablets found in northern Europe are written in Latin, but this ancient tablet is unusual for its Greek inscription. Dutch archaeologists uncovered the tablet beneath the town square in Heerlen.
Inscription Analysis
To study the writing, researchers used a method called reflectance transformation imaging, which revealed three separate groups of writing on the tablet. One part of the inscription includes three symbols known as Characteres, which were probably meant to deliver a message to supernatural powers. Another section names two men and two women, all described as fellow slaves.
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Greek Reporter.
