Ancient Ritual to Cause a Quarrel

This is an interesting "amulet," or more precisely, a charm intended to sow discord and enmity between people. It resembles many other methods from that period (3rd–4th centuries CE). Such papyri were folded and placed in secluded spots frequented by the individuals mentioned in the text. For instance, in the case of a family feud, their home or entryway would be appropriate. In this instance, the papyrus was folded into quarters—as evidenced by the creases—likely after having been rolled into a tube and then flattened. It was then folded in half, creating eight sections. There are no signs of simultaneous punctures, meaning it was neither pierced nor suspended, as was often the case. The specific preparation method remains unknown.

It was created to sow discord between Philoxenos the psaltery player (φιλοξεν τον ψαλτην), Gennadios (γενναδιον), and Pelagios the Elder (πελαγιον τον πρεσβυτερον). Although I translate Philoxenos’s profession as "harpist," the text specifies he plays the psaltery—a general term for instruments similar to the harp or gusli.

Location: Library of Alexandria.
SKU: 508.
Dimensions: 12.5 x 22.5 mm.

Two figures occupy the central part of the papyrus.

Magical formulas are inscribed along the left edge of the papyrus:

χαωρ χθωρ χαραρβα χαλβας χθρυθυρ χρβαθ χθαμνο χθοδυχρα χυχχυχ.

On the right, a brief incantation is provided:

Hoar! I conjure thee by the Great Names! Cast Philoxenus the harpist and Gennadios, his friend, into enmity. Cast Pelagios the elder into enmity with Philoxenus the harpist.

Note that the text invokes a certain Haor (χωαρ), which also begins the magical formula on the left side. It is reasonable to assume that the inscription along the left edge represents the full name of the force invoked by the practitioner performing this ritual.