CURSE TABLETS & BINDING SPELLS In Ancient World
1.
Definitions: Defixiones or katadesmoi (Greek) -"Inscribed
pieces of lead, usually in form of thin tin sheets, intended to bring
supernatural power to bear against persons and animals."
A. Other materials: gemstones, pottery, wax, papyrus,
stone, etc.
B. General
description:
l. Origins:
Earliest known:
Kingdom (use
of was doll in grave to invoke Osiris' punishment of a personal enemy). in use into Middle Ages
2. Magic techniques used for construction, formulae,
symbols
a. Magos hired
to produce specific spell/curse. Many
"mass produced" for future uses.
Could be "homemade" w/“recipe” from magic text.
b.
languages/symbols- often mix of Egyptian, Greek
c. symbols
included vowel-series, geometric shapes, "wings."
voces mysticae =
unintelligible words (often abbreviated in recipe)
d. many
lead/tin boxes w/messages inside, nailed shut.
3. Locations-
common- graves, under floors, doorway of "target", well,
4. Popularity:
widespread: all classes, all Mediterranean areas,
throughout
Roman empire-Britain to
II. How used:
"inscribed messages" to invoke supernatural aid (god[s] &/or
daimons to do will of client - to act upon a "target." (e.g., in
A. General
"Types"
1. Competition in Theater & Circus
(horse/chariot races)
2. Sex, Love,
Marriage
3. Legal &
Political Disputes
4. Business
5. Revenge,
Justice (Pleas for)
6. Personal
life ( recover lost items, slaves, trips, etc.)
B. Antidotes
& Counterspells:
1. protective
amulets (= periapta & periammata = "things tied
around")
2. Jews &
Christians felt religion was adequate antidote.
3. inscribed
protective bowls, inscribed metal (silver, gold) bracelet, token
Pictures 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 13, map
