Aglibol (Palmyrene Aramaic: 𐡰𐡢𐡫𐡡𐡥𐡫 ʿGLBWL) is a god from Palmyra, originating from a north Syrian immigrant community.[1] He is a moon god who was worshiped in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra as part of a triad alongside Bel and Yarhibol, and associated with the sun god Malakbel.[2]
| Aglibol | |
|---|---|
God of the Moon | |
 Aglibol, as shown in a 1st century CE relief from Palmyra | |
| Major cult center | Palmyra |
| Symbol | Lunar halo, crescent moon |
| Genealogy | |
| Siblings | Malakbel |
Evidence of Aglibol's worship is primarily epigraphical. The earliest known mention of Aglibol was an inscription which dates back to 17 BCE and associates him with the sun god Malakbel.[2] Several other inscriptions made by the Bene Komare also associate him with Malakbel, including a bilingual inscription from 122 CE in which Aglibol and Malakbel sponsor a citizen by the name of Manai for his piety.[2]
Several second century CE inscriptions attest that Aglibol was venerated with Malakbel in a sanctuary known as the "Sacred Garden" (gnt' 'ilym),[3] which was one of the four principal sanctuaries of the city.[3] The Bene Komare tended to this sanctuary.[4]
The sanctuary had two altars, a sacred cypress and a bath. One of the reliefs found in the Temple of Bel show the two altars and the two gods.[5]
See also
editReferences
editCitations
edit- ^ Hoyland, Robert G. (2002-09-11). Arabia and the Arabs: From the Bronze Age to the Coming of Islam. Routledge. ISBN 9781134646340.
- ^ a b c Smith II 2013, p. 66.
- ^ a b Smith II 2013, p. 67.
- ^ Stoneman 1994, p. 68.
- ^ W. Drijvers 1976, p. 37.
Sources
edit- Smith II, Andrew M. (2013). Roman Palmyra: Identity, Community, and State Formation. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-986110-1.
- Stoneman, Richard (1994) [1992]. Palmyra and Its Empire: Zenobia's Revolt Against Rome. University of Michigan Press. ISBN 978-0-472-08315-2.
- W. Drijvers, H.J (1976). The Religion of Palmyra. Brill. ISBN 9789004047983.
External links
editMedia related to Aglibol at Wikimedia Commons