De Dea Syria (The Syrian Goddess)

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, New Age, History, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book De Dea Syria (The Syrian Goddess) by Lucian of Samosata, Library of Alexandria
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Lucian of Samosata ISBN: 9781465574640
Publisher: Library of Alexandria Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Lucian of Samosata
ISBN: 9781465574640
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint:
Language: English
To the student of oriental religions the Dea Syria is brimful of interest. It describes the cult and worship of the goddess of Northern Syria, Atargatis, at her sacred city, Hierapolis, now Mumbij. The time when Lucian wrote would be the middle of the second century B.C. We do not see any reason to reject the traditional authorship of the treatise: on the contrary, the work seems to reveal the famous satirist at home, taking a natural interest in local memories and institutions, while making, doubtless, mental notes that were to prove of use in the works for which he is best known. Of the many writers who refer to the Dea Syria, no one dwells upon the fundamental character of the cult at Hierapolis, nor deals with the problem of its historical origins. It is this aspect of inquiry, therefore, with which we chiefly deal in the Introduction and the foot notes. Lucian's description, amplified by the later account of Macrobius, and further illustrated by the local coinage of Hierapolis, reveals the central cult as that of a divine pair. The male god, a form of Hadad, is symbolised by the bull, and is hence both "Lord of Heaven" and "Creator." The female deity is shown by her very name, "Atargatis," to be a form of Ishtar or Astarte. Being mated with the god, whom Lucian calls "Zeus," she is called by him "Hera": but she wears a mural crown, and is symbolised by the lion; and Lucian recognises in her traces of Kybele, Aphrodite, Artemis, and other aspects of the Mother Goddess. An examination of the materials which modern research has made available, shows this cult to be attributable historically to the Hittites, the earliest known masters of the soil. The argument is developed in our Introduction.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
To the student of oriental religions the Dea Syria is brimful of interest. It describes the cult and worship of the goddess of Northern Syria, Atargatis, at her sacred city, Hierapolis, now Mumbij. The time when Lucian wrote would be the middle of the second century B.C. We do not see any reason to reject the traditional authorship of the treatise: on the contrary, the work seems to reveal the famous satirist at home, taking a natural interest in local memories and institutions, while making, doubtless, mental notes that were to prove of use in the works for which he is best known. Of the many writers who refer to the Dea Syria, no one dwells upon the fundamental character of the cult at Hierapolis, nor deals with the problem of its historical origins. It is this aspect of inquiry, therefore, with which we chiefly deal in the Introduction and the foot notes. Lucian's description, amplified by the later account of Macrobius, and further illustrated by the local coinage of Hierapolis, reveals the central cult as that of a divine pair. The male god, a form of Hadad, is symbolised by the bull, and is hence both "Lord of Heaven" and "Creator." The female deity is shown by her very name, "Atargatis," to be a form of Ishtar or Astarte. Being mated with the god, whom Lucian calls "Zeus," she is called by him "Hera": but she wears a mural crown, and is symbolised by the lion; and Lucian recognises in her traces of Kybele, Aphrodite, Artemis, and other aspects of the Mother Goddess. An examination of the materials which modern research has made available, shows this cult to be attributable historically to the Hittites, the earliest known masters of the soil. The argument is developed in our Introduction.

More books from Library of Alexandria

Cover of the book The Hosts of the Air by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book Silver Pitchers and Independence: A Centennial Love Story by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book Women of the Teutonic Nations by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book Le Poète Et L'Inspiration: Orné Et Gravé Par Armand Coussens by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book The World Before Them: A Novel (Complete) by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book De Koran: Voorafgegaan Door Het Leven Van Mahomed, Eene Inleiding Omtrent De Godsdienstgebruiken Der Mahomedanen, Enz by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book Book of James, or Protevangelium by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book St. Peter: His Name and His Office as Set Forth in Holy Scripture by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book Selected Short Works of Arnold Bennett: In the Capital of the Sahara, A Solution of the Algiers Mystery, The Ghost of Lord Clarenceux, The Fire of London, A Comedy on the Gold Coast, Lo! 'Twas a Gala Night!, The Dog, A Bracelet at Bruges, How to Live by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book The Selected Works of James Oliver Curwood by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book The Life of Thomas Wanless, Peasant by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book The History of the Lives and Bloody Exploits of the Most Noted Pirates: Their Trials and Executions Including a Correct Account of the Late Piracies Committed in the West-Indies, the Expedition of Commodore Porter by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book The Portland Sketch Book by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book Science and Practice in Farm Cultivation by Lucian of Samosata
Cover of the book Patriarchal Palestine by Lucian of Samosata
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy