On the Curse Formula in Wˁzb’s Inscription (RIÉ 192 B, ll. 5-9)

Abstract

The article deals with the curse formula belonging to the sixth-century inscription by an Aksumite king Wʿzb (RIÉ 192 B, ll. 5–9). After summarizing the extant interpretations, the author proposes a new reading and interpretation, arguing that the text under scrutiny follows the same pattern and employs the same rhetoric devices as the curse formulas in earlier Gǝʿz inscriptions. Within this approach, the ‘benediction interpretation’ (the one implied by most of the previous translations) can be safely rejected. Rather, RIÉ 192 B, ll. 5–9 is to be analyzed as a curse of anyone who ‘destroys or overturns or throws down’ the inscription. This interpretation is bolstered by a new reading (wlmns²th ‘and if he destroyed it’ instead of the enigmatic wlmnlth in l. 6).