The Oscan Cursing Tablets: Binding Formulae, Cursing Typologies and Thematic Classification

Abstract

This article considers various aspects of the Oscan cursing tablets. In particular, it examines the binding formulae, the cursing typologies, and the thematic classification of these texts, comparing them with cursing tablets pertaining to other cultural areas. It considers also the peculiar textual and linguistic aspects of the Oscan corpus, setting it in the context of linguistic studies and the history of magic.