The city of Bath in Somerset, England was so-named for its popular hot, mineral springs. It was called Aquae Sulis sometime after 43 B.C.E. by the Romans occupying Britannia. Apparently, despite the fact that these springs were dedicated places of worship as well as spas, theft of clothing while partaking was extremely common. Thus, the implementation of the “Curse Tablet”, also tossed into the drink with coins to sweeten the inducement for the gods.
Via the BBC, here’s the text of one: To Minerva the goddess of Sulis I have given the thief who has stolen my hooded cloak, whether slave or free, whether man or woman. He is not to buy back this gift unless with his own blood.
That consequence is only slightly more serious than the one threatened by this modern shop in Bath. Though antiques are for sale, unlike the victims of the past, Rolfey’s not waiting for sin. Rolfey’s got a curse tablet gone proactive.
Image via and historic analog by passiveaggressivenotes.