Μαγικός κατάδεσμος

Abstract

Edition of a separation curse, inscribed in a soft stone (steatite). It was found in a robbed cist grave at the cite of the Venizelion Hospital (Knossos, North Cemetery). By the remaining evidence the grave can be dated from the last quarter of the first century B.C. to the third quarter of the first century A.D. Over this tomb and another cist grave, a large monument was erected. Evidence for cult of the dead in the monument, unique in this cemetery, may be connected with the curse. This is the first inscribed separation curse in a steatite and the first separation curse found in Crete. The defixiones were thrown in graves of untimely persons or in chthonic sanctuaries. Precious or semi-precious gemstones were not used as defixiones, because of their cost and scarcity. However, steatite can be considered as a cheap and easy to find stone and in oue case probably its colour effected its certain use. Someone is asking from one or more deities to separate a man and a woman, Preimogenes and Daphne. The inscription can be dated in the end of the first century A.D.-beginning of the second century A.D. because of the characteristic forms of the letters of that period, the names mentioned (esp. Preimogenes) and the dating of the grave in the Roman period. Translation of the text: «(Magic letters). Separate Preimogenes, whom Artemeis bore, from Daphne, whom Daphne bore».