Fascinum

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A fascinum in Ancient Rome was a phallus-shaped amulet worn around the necks (often of children), to ward off the evil eye or to bring fertility. The word is ultimately the origin of the English verb to fascinate.

Sources:

1. Muller, ed.: Turpiculas res, Varr. De Ling. Lat. vii. 97.

2. Pliny: Naturalis Historia, xix. 19.

3. Smith, William. A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. John Murray, London. 1875. p. 521.


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