Latin curse texts: Mediterranean tradition and local diversity

Urbanová, Daniela (2017) Latin curse texts: Mediterranean tradition and local diversity. Acta Antiqua Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, 57 (1). pp. 57-82. ISSN 0044-5975

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Abstract

There are altogether about six hundred Latin curse texts, most of which are inscribed on lead tablets. The extant Latin defixiones are attested from the 2^nd cent. BCE to the end of the 4^th and beginning of the 5^th century. However, the number of extant tablets is certainly not final, which is clear from the new findings in Mainz recently published by Blänsdorf (2012, 34 tablets),¹ the evidence found in the fountain dedicated to Anna Perenna in Rome 2012, (26 tablets and other inscribed magical items),² or the new findings in Pannonia (Barta 2009).³ The curse tablets were addressed exclusively to the supernatural powers, so their authors usually hid them very well to be banished from the eyes of mortals; not to speak of the randomness of the archaeological findings. Thus, it can be assumed that the preserved defixiones are only a fragment of the overall ancient production. Remarkable diversities in cursing practice can be found when comparing the preserved defixiones from particular provinces of the Roman Empire and their specific features, as this contribution wants to show.

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