Material: Lead
Date: ca. 100 B.C.
Dimensions: 8.5 × 13.5 × 3.2 cm
Findspot: unknown
Current Location: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, California, 77.AI.97
This curse tablet is inscribed in Latin in two columns: The one on the left comprises the names of the tagets and the one on the right the actual curse.
The lamella was pierced with two iron nails, both survived but are now heavily corroded. The inscription has been translated as a curse against runaway slaves, it reads:
“Philocomus, Antiochus, Parnaces, Sosus, Erato, Epidia. (May) they dissolve; may they not find satisfaction with (their) masters, these same whose names are here (written). May they disappear/perish for the reason that they also might find satisfaction with (their) property. (May) the things said and done by these (be consigned) to the underworld!”
Translation by Heikki Solin: https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103TF9
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