Love that strikes like a bolt of lightning is an age-old phenomenon, proves a unique artefact recently unearthed at an archaeological site in Grobbendonk: a lightning-shaped ornamental pin bearing a Latin love spell. According to history professor Christian Laes (University of Antwerp/University of Manchester), it reads ‘Come now, my love’ or ‘Come now, and quickly’.
In 2012, archaeological research firm All-Archeo started excavations at the site of the former McCain chip factory in Grobbendonk. Eight years later, the work was completed, with the archaeologists having discovered traces of Roman settlements. Numerous metal objects had been found underground, including a lightning-shaped ornamental pin with the inscription ‘VENIOCV’.
‘The object dates from the second century AD and has been slightly damaged over time,’ says Laes, an expert in ancient history. ‘As a result, the exact inscription on the pin isn’t entirely clear. But I think there are two possible interpretations.’
In total, only 16 such lightning-shaped pins have been found so far, but this is the only specimen with this inscription.
Love or quickly?
According to the first hypothesis, it reads ‘veni ocu(le)’. Laes explains: ‘The first part of the sentence is clear: veni means “come” in Latin. The second part might well be “ocu(le)”, an abbreviation of oculus, meaning “eye”. Ocule or ocelle was often used at the time as a pet name between lovers. Indeed, in classical antiquity, eyes were considered a person’s most precious possession. Think of how in English we still speak “apple of my eye”. So the phrase could mean “Come now, my love”.’
Another interpretation suggests that the pin says “veni oc(i)u(s)”. ‘In that case, the meaning changes slightly. The first part (veni) remains the same, but the second part refers to ocius, a term denoting movement. In this particular case, the “i” and “s” are dropped from the word. We also see this linguistic phenomenon in inscriptions on other objects from the Grobbendonk site. The correct translation then reads “Come now, and quickly”.’
Unique find
Which interpretation is correct remains a mystery. But one thing is certain: the pin was a gift between two lovers who longed for each other. Remarkably, the message could have been addressed to either a man or a woman. ‘What makes this find even more special is its uniqueness. In total, only 16 such lightning-shaped pins have been found so far, but this is the only specimen with this inscription,’ Professor Laes says in closing.
All finds from the excavation are kept in the province of Antwerp archaeological depot. During the Archaeology Days on 23, 24 and 25 May, a selection will be exhibited in Grobbendonk.