Lebanon dig yields spiritual plate [ Greek language blessing / curse ]

Japan Times ^ | Thursday, December 9, 2010 | unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

An excavation team from Kyoto University working in Lebanon has found a lead plate believed to date from between the second and fourth centuries that was apparently used to invoke the spirits of the dead. The 6-cm-wide, 14.7-cm-long plate, discovered near the entrance of an underground grave, is adorned with ancient Greek text that reads "May the unjust be removed from them" and "May signs of a gag and shame, and disgrace be given to them," along with the names of four people, the team said Tuesday. Hiroshima University associate professor Hiroshi Maeno said, "Common people in a weak position may have made a wish for the supernatural to accomplish what they were unable to."

From another world: A team from Kyoto University unearthed this ancient lead plate in Lebanon. KYOTO UNIVERSITY/KYODO PHOTO

[SunkenCiv]

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[bgill]

I can just barely make it out but I think the third name down is Obama.

[SunkenCiv]

LOL!

[Moonmad27]

Why is this article so uncertain? Curses written on lead sheets were common back then — even found in Roman England far far away!

[SunkenCiv]

I’m not sure what you mean, but It’s probably just the source, translation thing, something like that.