Archaeologists discover 2,000-year-old scrolls with demon-invoking magic spells

Miomir Korac displays recently found golden amulet at the Viminacium site.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Djordje Kojadinovic)

Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be 2,000-year-old "spells" etched onto tiny rolls of gold and silver, uncovered alongside skeletons in northeastern Serbia. But as archaeologists attempt to decipher the language on the magic scrolls, they admit to not knowing if the spells were intended for good or for evil.

"We read the names of a few demons that are connected to the territory of modern-day Syria," archaeologist Ilija Danković told Reuters.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.