A Late Antique Flask from Side with a Curse Inscription
GEPHYRA, vol.5, pp.147-159, 2008 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 5
- Publication Date: 2008
- Journal Name: GEPHYRA
- Journal Indexes: L'Année philologique, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Page Numbers: pp.147-159
- Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Excavations in the eastern colonnaded street in Side in 2002 unearthed the fragments of a clay flask, which after restoration revealed unusual inscriptions and decoration. It was found in fill dirt, and thus difficult to determine its primary archaeological context, but based on its inscriptions it is datable to A.D. around 6th century. Both words and image comprise a defixio against thieves, threatening the perpetrator with death, and eternal torment of his soul in the claws of the Devil. This defixio was possibly made on request, most likely by a magician with a better knowledge of magical practices that the average person and its purpose were to protect the owner, probably in his travels.