Roman tomb contained 'magical' nails to prevent the dead from rising.

1 min read
Source: Business Insider
Roman tomb contained 'magical' nails to prevent the dead from rising.
Photo: Business Insider
TL;DR Summary

Archaeologists have discovered 41 bent and twisted nails, lime, and brick near a Roman burial site in Turkey, which may have been used as charms to stop the restless dead from interfering with the living. The nails were likely used to pin the body of the mystery adult male to the tomb so that his spirit would be unable to rise. The unique burial rituals suggest that the nails were thought to "form a magical barrier surrounding the remains of the funeral pyre." The nails were expensive in Roman times and were often associated with magic and imbued with magical properties.

Share this article

Reading Insights

Total Reads

0

Unique Readers

0

Time Saved

3 min

vs 4 min read

Condensed

86%

742101 words

Want the full story? Read the original article

Read on Business Insider