Details

COLEM:1972.24

Colchester Collections

plaque, curse tablet, defixio

This inscribed Roman lead plaque, known as a curse tablet or defixio, was found in an oven at Kelvedon, Essex. The inscription translates as: "Whoever has stolen the property of Varenus, whether man or woman, let him pay gifts to Mercury and sacred offerings to Virtue in his own blood and from the money that he has stolen". It dates to around AD 200-400.

Varenus (dedicant)‎

Roman

<p>Quicumque res Vareni in volaverit si mulier si mascel sangu[i]no suo solvat et pecunie quam exs[ol]verit Mercurio dona et Virtuti s[acra]</p>

Who ever has stolen the property of Varenus, whether woman or man, in his blood let him pay - and from the money which he has consumed - gifts to Mercury and sacred offerings to Virtue

height: 50.00 mm
width: 114.00 mm