Aglibol
God of the Moon
Aglibol, as shown in a 1st century CE relief from Palmyra
Major cult centerPalmyra
SymbolLunar halo, crescent moon
Personal information
SiblingsMalakbel

Aglibol 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]

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

References

Citations

  1. ^ Hoyland, Robert G. (2002-09-11). Arabia and the Arabs: From the Bronze Age to the Coming of Islam. Routledge. ISBN 9781134646340.
  2. ^ a b c Smith II 2013, p. 66.
  3. ^ a b Smith II 2013, p. 67.
  4. ^ Stoneman 1994, p. 68.
  5. ^ W. Drijvers 1976, p. 37.

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