[MR] History Blog: Medieval Lead Curse Tablet From Germany

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Normally so-called "curse tablets" are associated with ancient Greece or
the Roman Empire. Recently one from the medieval-era was found in what is
now Rostok, Germany.

Known curse tablets are usually engraved lead, as other media are not
likely to have survived. They are scratched with a message to the gods, or
in this case to demons, to attack or otherwise plague a rival or enemy. The
Rostok curse calls upon three devils to attack people named Taleke and
Henrik. The human's "crimes" are not disclosed.

The tablet was found in a medieval cess pool uncovered during excavations
for the expansion of Rostok's town hall. A toilet is an unusual location
for a curse tablet, but one from so late a time as this example is in
itself extremely unusual.

The item can be seen at https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/69031 .

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep Merry Rose relevant and in business.