Ancient Curses

In this compelling episode of Ancient Curses, host Eleanor Voss examines how ancient supernatural beliefs have evolved and thrived in our digital age. From viral chain emails that mirror Roman curse tablets to social media hexes targeting public figures, discover how our oldest fears have found new expression online. Explore the psychological mechanisms behind cursed digital content, viral challen...

Join host Eleanor Voss as she explores humanity's ancient weapons against supernatural threats in this fascinating episode about protective amulets and counter-magic. Discover how civilizations from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe developed sophisticated systems of spiritual defense, from the Eye of Horus to iron talismans. Learn about the archaeological evidence for magical protection, including...

Join host Eleanor Voss as she examines the Curse of the Bambino, one of baseball's most enduring supernatural narratives. This episode explores how the 1919 sale of Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees created an 86-year championship drought that became explained through collective belief and modern mythology. Discover the psychological and cultural forces that transform sport...

Explore the terrifying history of anathema, the Church's ultimate spiritual weapon. In this episode of Ancient Curses, host Eleanor Voss delves into the medieval practice of religious cursing that was believed to damn souls for eternity. Discover the dramatic rituals of 'Bell, Book, and Candle' ceremonies, where bishops would formally excommunicate and curse individuals through elaborate spiritual...

Explore the bizarre 1985 British panic over Crying Boy paintings in this captivating episode of Ancient Curses. Host Eleanor Voss investigates how mass-produced artwork by Italian artist Bruno Amadio became the center of a nationwide hysteria when newspapers reported the paintings mysteriously surviving house fires. Discover the psychological and social factors that transformed innocent decorative...

Dive into the fascinating world of Roman curse tablets known as defixiones in this episode of Ancient Curses. Host Eleanor Voss explores the underground curse industry that thrived throughout the Roman Empire, where ordinary citizens turned to lead tablets inscribed with supernatural requests to settle personal disputes and business rivalries. Discover how professional curse writers operated acros...

Explore the legendary curse of James Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder, nicknamed 'Little Bastard,' in this episode of Ancient Curses. After the Hollywood icon's fatal crash in 1955, his car allegedly brought misfortune to everyone who encountered its remains. From deadly racing accidents involving the engine and transmission to mysterious incidents at safety exhibitions, the Porsche's dark reputation gre...

Join host Eleanor Voss on a fascinating cross-cultural exploration of hexes and curses from around the world. This episode examines the evil eye traditions spanning Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, delves into the authentic practices of Haitian Vodou beyond Hollywood misconceptions, and explores cursing traditions from Mexico's mal de ojo to West African spiritual practices. Discover how...

In this episode of Ancient Curses, host Eleanor Voss examines the famous mummy's curse, exploring how Hollywood fiction differs from ancient Egyptian reality. Discover the true story behind King Tutankhamun's tomb discovery in 1922, Lord Carnarvon's death, and how newspapers created the modern curse narrative. Learn about actual ancient Egyptian burial practices, protective inscriptions, and relig...

Discover the fascinating world of ancient Greek binding spells, known as katadesmos, in this episode of Ancient Curses. Host Eleanor Voss explores how ordinary Greeks inscribed curses on lead tablets to influence legal disputes, business deals, and personal relationships. Learn about the archaeological evidence of these curse tablets found throughout the Mediterranean, their specific ritualistic l...

Explore the legendary Hope Diamond's captivating 400-year journey from Indian mines to the Smithsonian Museum. Host Eleanor Voss unravels the historical facts behind one of the world's most famous cursed gemstones, examining its origins in 17th-century India, its time in French royal courts, mysterious disappearance during the French Revolution, and eventual ownership by American socialite Evalyn...

Explore the fascinating world of ancient Greek and Roman curse tablets in this episode of Ancient Curses. Host Eleanor Voss examines defixiones and katadeseis - lead tablets inscribed with curses by ordinary citizens seeking justice and revenge in the classical world. Discover how these archaeological artifacts, found in graves, wells, and sacred springs across the Mediterranean, provide unique in...

Join host Eleanor Voss as she examines the legendary curse of King Tutankhamun in this captivating episode of Ancient Curses. Discover the true story behind the 1922 tomb discovery by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon, and explore how a series of deaths became one of archaeology's most famous supernatural legends. We investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding Lord Carnarvon's death, analy...