Share Stages 22-23 Culture only S25
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What is the Latin word for a curse tablet?
defixio (defixiones)
Verum aut falsum: Vota were spirits or divinities that were seen in natural phenomena
Falsum (that was numina)
What was the name of the group that kept the eternal flame of Rome? What happened if they broke their vows?
Vestal Virgins - they were killed by starvation
Haruspices and Augures both read omens. How did each profession read the omens?
H - livers/other things about the sacrifice of animals; A - read the signs of birds
What seemed to be the most common material of curse tablets?
lead
What was the role of the Pontifex Maximus? Who held that role? Who holds this title now?
The Chief Priest - well connected political men - became the Emperor in later times; the Pope now
Verum aut Falsum: Romans deified their Emperors while they were alive
Falsum
Verum aut Falsum: Augures looked to the birds for signs of the gods.
Verum
Numina v. Vota
divine spirits/power v. offerings to the gods
What was Charon's role in the Underworld?
Ferryman; carries souls across the River (Styx)
Name TWO things that were typically on a curse tablet
name of the offender (or potentials), invocation of a god, crime, wanted punishment, magic words (Voces Magicae), images (Characteres)
Name TWO things that were typically on a curse tablet
name of the offender (or potentials), invocation of a god, crime, wanted punishment, magic words (Voces Magicae), images (Characteres)
What TWO things did ancient people do to enact a curse tablet?
Fix/Pierce the tablet and put it somewhere sacred
About how many defixiones have been found in Britain?
over 300
What were omina? What were they intended for?
omens or warnings from the gods about possible danger/misfortune meant to help them avoid the negative event
What are voces magicae and characteres?
meaningless, magical words to increase the effect of the curse; symbols/images used on the curse
