Roman Bronze Curse Tablets From Bath

Deep in the ancient Roman baths of Bath, England, a mysterious treasure trove of curses has emerged, revealing the darker side of Roman life. Archaeologists recently unearthed over 100 bronze tablets, inscribed with spells and curses dating back to 200-400 AD, providing a rare glimpse into the superstitions that permeated daily life in this bustling resort town.

Each tablet, meticulously etched with Latin script, documents personal grievances and requests for divine retribution. One striking example details a woman named Tertullia, who beseeches the gods to punish a rival named Aquilius for stealing her lover. Another tablet curses a thief who dared to plunder a valuable item from the sacred precinct of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. These artifacts, measuring approximately 15 by 10 centimeters, were often tossed into the sacred spring, where the mineral-rich waters were believed to channel the curses to the gods.

The sheer quantity and variety of these inscriptions highlight the pervasive belief in the supernatural during Roman times. The practice of writing curses on tablets was not unique to Bath; however, the density of these findings at this particular site has created a rare window into the spiritual lives of everyday Romans. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Roman culture but also offers a chilling reminder of the lengths people would go to in their quest for justice—or vengeance.

As Bath’s thermal springs continue to draw visitors, the bronze curse tablets serve as a haunting echo of the city’s past, enriching its narrative with tales of love, betrayal, and the eternal struggle for power in ancient Rome.