Found in the sacred spring at Bath, this lead curse-tablet was thrown into the pool by Vilbia's ex-lover; he (or she) hoped the magical powers of the spring would make the curses come true.

It reads:

May he who has taken Vilbia from me dissolve like water. May s/he be dumb who devoured her, whether it be Velvinna or Exsupereus or Verianus or Severinus or Augustalis or Comitianus or Catus Minianus or Germanilla or Jovina.

As illustrated on the CLC Stage 22 title-page; in the Baths Museum, Bath.

Another view of the tablet taken out of its exhibit case in preparation for being filmed for the BBC series "A History of Celtic Britain" (2011)

A closer look at the words on the tablet.

2-minute clip in which two of the lead curse tablets discovered in the Roman baths of Bath - including Vilbia's - are examined.

(From the BBC series "A History of Celtic Britain", 2011)

A humorous webpage - initially describing the modern curses of today's Rome (cars and dogs) - which details the "dos and don'ts" of cursing in Roman times.

An excellent analysis of Roman curse tablets, with emphasis on those found in Britain. As this British Academy Research Project website states: "Of the former provinces of the Roman empire, Britain is perhaps the most prolific in producing new Latin documents"... especially curses it seems! Don't forget to click the links to images and progress reports.

News on a curse tablet from Leicester. It involves a cloak-thief!

Greek "voodoo dolls". A detailed, serious site with images and inscriptions of "poppets" or ritualistic puppets.

A long, very detailed review of ancient literary references, people and objects all associated with magic in the Greek and Roman world. For super-keen, older surfers.

Here's one I made earlier... For a magical potion visit Getafix and the rest of Asterix's village!

Our vain, self-important soldier, ironically-named Modestus, is based loosely on the main character from the play Miles Gloriosus (The Swaggering Soldier) by the Roman playwright Plautus.

This link takes you to a summary of the plot and pictures from a production of the play by Clarion University of Pennsylvania, USA.

Short, informative survey of the types of Roman brooches found in Great Britain.

Real Roman rollers.

Fresco from a bar on the Via Mercurio in Pompeii.
It's still in situ and suffering from lack of care...