The plate may date from the IVth century B.C. and the manner in which the letters are incised makes me think that they were written to the right. The first three letters could be the initials of three words (in Greek or Latin characters?).The last four letters appear to me as Oscan-Brutian. The first three letters could be interpreted thus: M(eddix) P(apus) or P(ublius) T(uticus), remembering that the Meddix Tuticus was the supreme magistrate of the Italic communities.

The penultimate letter makes one think that it might be an Oscan G, because of the central dash. The first of these four letters is an A, but in a shape that does not seem attributable to the Oscan alphabet. In sum, there is need for further study.

Observing the fragment from all angles, the smooth circular crown of the central portion makes me suppose that the plate may have had a cover unless the contents that the plate was supposed to hold (entrails of animals just killed, or the like) was sufficiently protected by the two raised borders.

I hope that some expert in ancient writing, after having read my article and, above all, after having looked at the photos that I was fortunately able to take, might be able to provide a more exhaustive interpretation on this important fragment, of whose fate I am unaware.

Photo of the votive plate found in the area of Temesa