The Divination Disc from Pergamon

Berlin_Antikensammlung_Bronze-disc-from-Pergamon-Misc.-8612,-6

 

Description

This bronze disc is unique in the archaeological record. It was discovered in the lower city of Pergamon together with a group of other instruments from a magician, among them a triangular Hekate table and a beautifully preserved inscribed bronze nail.

The disc was published by Richard Wünsch who interpreted a number of the magic signs as  originating from Egyptian hieroglyphs.

The most elaborate study of the magic signs was undertaken by Sigurd Agrell published in 1936. He interpreted each sign, argued for a gematrical interpretation and believed that the 22 main figures of the Tarot have a close relation to the Greek alphabet mystizism and the Germanic rune names as well as to this disc from Pergamon.

His interpretation has largely been ignored or rejected. Until today no other detailed study about the disc has been published.


Data

Location: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Antikensammlung
Inventory number: Misc. 8612, 6
Material: Bronze
Dating: 3rd century
Provenance: Pergamon
Dimensions: ∅ max. 12,8 cm, hight: 1 cm

Link: https://id.smb.museum/object/695500/

 

Literature

Richard Wünsch, Antikes Zaubergerät aus Pergamon (1905). Online available for free at archive.org

Sigurd Agrell, Die pergamenische Zauberscheibe und das Tarockspiel (1936).


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