Ancient curses have fascinated humanity for centuries. The intriguing and often bizarre inscriptions reveal the human desire for justice, revenge, and protection.
In this post we are going to take a look at three ancient curses found on tablets.
1. The “Old, Like Putrid Gore” Curse
Origin: Roman Britain (early 2nd century CE)
Carved in reverse on a lead tablet, the “Old, Like Putrid Gore” curse is a testament to the creativity and desperation of its creator.
Directed towards an individual named Tacita, the curse cryptically condemns them as being “old like putrid gore,” leaving the specifics of their transgression shrouded in mystery. Yet, the visceral imagery employed in the curse suggests a profound desire for retribution, invoking the decay of flesh to symbolize the decay of reputation or life itself.
2. The “Be Unable to Chain Bears” Curse
Origin: Carthage, North Africa (2nd century CE)
Target: Gladiator Vincenzus Zarizo
In the blood-soaked arenas of Carthage, gladiators battled for glory and survival, their fates often intertwined with the whims of spectators and sponsors. One such gladiator, Vincenzus Zarizo, found himself ensnared in the web of a curse fueled by financial interests.
Crafted by an unknown hand, the curse beseeches the gods to deprive Zarizo of his ability to chain bears, ensuring his defeat in every encounter with these fearsome creatures. Moreover, the curse imposes a curious restriction, forbidding Zarizo from slaying a bear on Wednesdays, adding a layer of complexity to its malevolent intentions.
3. The “Lose Their Minds and Eyes” Curse
Origin: Aquae Sulis (Roman Bath, Somerset, UK; 2nd-4th centuries CE)
Victim: Docimedis
In the sacred precincts of Aquae Sulis, where worshippers sought solace and healing in the soothing waters, a thief’s brazen act sparked a plea for divine justice.
Docimedis, aggrieved by the theft of his gloves, turned to the gods with a fervent invocation of retribution. The curse he wrought upon the thief is as chilling as it is poetic, calling upon the divine powers to strip the perpetrator of not only their sight but also their sanity within the hallowed confines of the goddess’s temple.
