Aglibol | |
---|---|
God of the Moon | |
Major cult center | Palmyra |
Symbol | Lunar halo, crescent moon |
Genealogy | |
Siblings | Malakbel |
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]
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]