Defixio Digital(is): A Semantic-enabled Digital Archive For the Study of Ancient Curse Tablets

Abstract

In this paper we present a relevant example of how new technologies can be applied to the study of the ancient world. In particular, we present a set of activities whereby we apply semantic technologies and open source software for the study of a very specific class of archaeological and textual objects, the so-called defixiones. The term defixio refers to a cursing tablet, engraved on thin sheets of lead, especially as used in the Ancient Mediterranean area for various "magical" uses. The study of this field has not yet produced any complete systematisation of all the different material and interpretations. We intend developing a system bringing together all the existing information in order to offer scholars a tool comprising all available knowledge to date and the possibility to extend it with the results of their research.