Eternal Vengeance: Ancient Greeks Used 'Curse Tablets' to Torment Foes Beyond the Grave
The most notable example of this was the public cursing of General Alcibiades. Rumor spread that Alcibiades, in a drunken stupor, had broken the stone genitalia of the city’s Hermes stones which were considered religious items.
For his crime, Alcibiades was indicted with sacrilege and the priests and priestesses were compelled to hex him. After his possessions were confiscated, Alcibiades self-exiled to Sparta.
So far, there have been an estimated 6,500 burials uncovered at Kerameikos since excavations began in 1913. But the 2,500-year-old well full of curses wasn’t found until 2016.
The 30 curse tablets are currently under the examination of researchers.
Next, read how a Greek farmer accidentally discovered a 3,400-year-old Minoan tomb hidden under an olive grove. Then, learn about the five most important battles of the Ancient Greek wars.
