A Roman defixio (curse tablet) against Rhodinē.
This curse tablet was found in the funerary area of the Via Latina, not far from Rome, and dates to the mid-1st century BC.
Here is a translation of the Latin text on the tablet:
“Just as the dead man who is buried here can neither speak nor talk, so may Rhodine die as far as Marcus Licinius Faustus is concerned and not be able to speak nor talk. As the dead man is received neither by gods nor humans, so may Rhodine be received by Marcus Licinius and have as much strength as the dead man who is buried here. Dis Pater, I entrust Rhodine to you, that she be always hateful to Marcus Licinius Faustus. Also Marcus Hedius Amphio. Also Gaius Popillius Apollonius. Also Vennonia Hermiona. Also Sergia Glycinna.” -Audollent, Defixionum tabellæ, 1904, no. 139.
This artefact can currently be viewed at the Baths of Diocletian, Rome. Photos courtesy of & taken by Marie-Lan Nguyen.













