A closer look
Ancient Romans frequently utilized defixiones, or curse tablets, which were small sheets of lead inscribed with magical spells designed to bind or harm their enemies before being tossed into graves, wells, or mystical hot springs; rather than asking the gods for profound cosmic vengeance or the death of a tyrant, the vast majority of these mystical artifacts complain about incredibly petty grievances like stolen cloaks, rival chariot racers, or neighbors who talked too much, making it incredibly comforting to realize that despite the passage of two thousand years, human beings have always been deeply petty creatures who would not hesitate to invoke the dark lords of the underworld just because someone accidentally walked off with their favorite bath towel at the local spa
