Topical Encyclopedia Atergatis, also known as Atargatis, is a figure from ancient Near Eastern mythology, primarily associated with the region of Syria. She is often identified as a goddess of fertility and water, and her worship was widespread in the ancient cities of the Near East, including Ashkelon and Hierapolis. Atergatis is frequently depicted as a mermaid-like figure, symbolizing her dominion over the sea and aquatic life.Historical Context and Worship Atergatis was venerated as a mother goddess, embodying the principles of fertility, motherhood, and the nurturing aspects of nature. Her cult was particularly prominent in the city of Hierapolis (modern-day Manbij, Syria), where a grand temple was dedicated to her worship. The temple served as a center for religious activities, including rituals and festivals that celebrated her divine attributes. The worship of Atergatis often involved elaborate ceremonies and offerings, reflecting her status as a major deity in the pantheon of the region. Her followers believed that she had the power to bestow fertility upon the land and its people, ensuring bountiful harvests and the prosperity of communities. Biblical References and Connections While Atergatis is not directly mentioned in the Bible, her influence can be seen in the broader context of the ancient Near Eastern religious landscape, which often intersected with the history and culture of the Israelites. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of idolatry and the worship of foreign gods, warning the Israelites against adopting the religious practices of their neighbors. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly cautioned against the worship of deities from surrounding nations, which would have included figures like Atergatis. For example, in Deuteronomy 12:30-31 , the Israelites are instructed: "Be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, ‘How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.’ You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates." The presence of Atergatis and similar deities in the region underscores the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenantal relationship with Yahweh amidst a milieu of diverse religious influences. Cultural and Religious Impact The cult of Atergatis highlights the syncretic nature of ancient Near Eastern religions, where local deities often absorbed attributes from neighboring cultures. This syncretism is evident in the blending of Atergatis' characteristics with those of other goddesses, such as the Greek Aphrodite and the Roman Venus, as her worship spread beyond its original geographic confines. The enduring legacy of Atergatis can be seen in the continued fascination with mermaid mythology and the symbolic representation of water deities in various cultures. Her image as a nurturing, life-giving figure resonates with the universal human experience of dependence on the natural world for sustenance and survival. Conclusion Atergatis serves as a reminder of the complex religious environment of the ancient Near East, where the worship of multiple deities often intersected with the monotheistic faith of the Israelites. Her account reflects the broader themes of fertility, nature, and the human quest for divine favor, which are recurrent motifs in the religious traditions of the ancient world. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATERGATISa-ter'-ga-tis. See ATARGATIS. Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Thesaurus AtergatisAtergatis. Aterezaias, Atergatis. Ateta . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATERGATIS. a-ter'-ga-tis. See ATARGATIS. ... /a/atergatis.htm - 6k Atargatis Ateta Aterezaias Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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