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The Tablet Curse of Lydney

Roman temple of Nodens, Lydney, Gloucestershire Unknown Roman

Deep in the Gloucestershire countryside lies the ancient Roman temple of Nodens, a place steeped in mystery and intrigue. It's here that a fascinating relic was uncovered, a curse tablet that has captured the imagination of many. In 1929, a curse written on a tablet was found at this site, which when translated from Latin, read: 'For the god Nodens. Silvianus has lost a ring and has donated one half (its worth) to Nodens. Among those named Senicianus permit no good health until it is returned to the temple of Nodens.' This ancient plea has been linked to a ring discovered in 1785 at Silchester, and some believe it even influenced J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary One Ring.

The story of the curse tablet begins much earlier than its discovery in 1929. The Roman temple of Nodens was built during the 1st century AD, and was dedicated to the god of the same name, associated with healing and the sea. The curse itself is a remarkable example of ancient Roman magic, and provides a unique glimpse into the spiritual practices of the time. While there's no concrete evidence to suggest that the curse was ever lifted, or that the ring was returned to the temple, the tablet remains a captivating piece of history that continues to fascinate visitors to this day.

Historical Context

The Roman temple of Nodens was built during the 1st century AD.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Ancient Roman Temple
Activity Types
Visual Historical
Witness Credibility
Archaeological Evidence
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Temple still present, curse discovered 1929
Postcode Area
GL15

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