Cursing and curse tablets in the Roman West | Synapse
April 12, 2026Open Access
Cursing and curse tablets in the Roman West
Key Points
To explore the cultural significance and implications of curses and curse tablets in ancient Roman society.
Analysis of historical curse tablets from the Roman West
Examination of language and terminology used in the curses
Interpretation of themes and intended targets of the curses
Curses targeted specific aspects of individuals, including their memory and speech
Common themes involved control over someone's thoughts and actions
Curse tablets provide insight into social and spiritual beliefs of the time
Abstract
I Captivated by cursesI curse Tretia Maria and her life and mind and memory and liver, lungs, guts, words, thoughts, memory so she cannot speak about secret things 1 RIB I 7,