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LEAD Action News Vol 2 no 4 Spring 1994   ISSN 1324-6011
The journal of The LEAD (Lead Education and Abatement Design) Group Inc.
     
Lead Curse Tablets

The discovery of a cache of 50 'curse tablets", thrown down a well about 1500 years ago in Israel, may reveal details of ancient quarrels between Roman rivals. Lead tablets found at other sites have included curses by actors and athletes against professional rivals, and by opponents in lawsuits.

RomansThe Romans inscribed their curses on soft sheets of lead, folded or rolled them, then threw them into a well, a grave, a spring, or some other place as close to the underworld as possible.

This hoard of tablets, the first discovery of such tablets in Israel, was unearthed at the ancient city of Caesarea Maritima. Kathryn Gleason, leader of the dig from the University of Pennsylvania Museum says, "They seem to read like magic potions. It's a 'tongue of newt' kind of formula."

The secrets of these scrolls should soon be revealed. Deciphering is to begin in January 1995. 

Reference: New Scientist. (Kurt Kleiner) 19 November 1994

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