In a significant archaeological find in Rostock, Germany, researchers have uncovered a rolled-up lead artifact believed to be a medieval "curse tablet" invoking "Beelzebub," or Satan.
Initially dismissed as inconspicuous scrap, the 15th-century piece was found at the base of a latrine during a construction site excavation. Upon unfurling, archaeologists deciphered a cryptic Gothic minuscule message, reading "sathanas taleke belzebuk hinrik berith," interpreted as a curse directed at individuals named Taleke and Hinrik, summoning Satan and Berith, a demonic spirit.
Unleashing The Forces of Evil
The Gothic minuscule inscription is scarcely discernible without magnification, representing deliberate and precise handwriting rather than a casual scribble.
Archaeologist Jörg Ansorge, leading the excavation from the University of Greifswald, emphasized the distinctiveness of this 15th-century artifact. The rolled-up lead piece's placement at the bottom of a latrine aligns with the practice of concealing curse tablets in hard-to-find locations by those wishing to inflict harm on their targets.
Medieval curse tablet discovered in Germany https://t.co/tb0U5WAubF #Germany #archaeology
— Medievalists.net (@Medievalists) December 17, 2023
The reasons behind this ancient curse remain speculative, with researchers pondering whether it sought to disrupt Taleke and Heinrich's relationship or if it stemmed from spurned love and jealousy. Although the identities of the involved parties may never be known, the discovery provides a rare insight into medieval interpersonal conflicts, according to LiveScience.
The uniqueness of this curse tablet lies in its temporal context, dating back to the 15th century, setting it apart from similar curse tablets prevalent in ancient Greek and Roman regions between 800 B.C. and A.D. 600.
Notable examples include a 1,500-year-old lead tablet in Israel invoking demons against a rival dancer and 2,400-year-old Greek tablets seeking the wrath of underworld gods upon tavern keepers, per CBS News.
Other Interesting Discoveries from the Site
Medievalists.net reported that Dr. Jörg Ansorge and his team have completed the exploration of all accessible cellars situated behind the town hall, revealing six medieval gabled houses that underwent substantial reconstruction after the 1677 fire. The properties' layout underwent significant transformations, with most of them succumbing to destruction during the 1942 bombing raids.
Among the noteworthy discoveries is a cellar dating back to the 13th century, later integrated into a new structure around 1880-90. This medieval cellar unveiled traces of both craftsmanship and habitation, featuring a hearth designed for tripod pots and a stone staircase. Another stone building's remnants indicate construction between 1230 and 1250.
Of particular interest are special finds, including gabled houses from the 16th or 17th century equipped with various taps made of bronze, originating from Northern Germany. These taps validate historical accounts suggesting beer-brewing activities on the street. The presence of wooden water pipes and embedded boxes in the basement floor indicates the site's use as a cistern.
Dr. Ansorge expresses overall satisfaction with the excavation results, despite the challenging nature of the construction site. Notable discoveries include the Valencian chandelier, an exceptionally well-preserved leather shoe, and the intriguing curse tablet. While certain aspects of historical periods, such as Renaissance or Baroque latrines, were not uncovered, the findings contribute valuable insights into the rich history of the site.
