Moon Deity Discovered In Hazor

Moon Deity Discovered in Hazor

Archaeological excavations in Hazor, Palestine 1950, have led to the remarkable discovery of a figurine representing a moon deity, providing significant insights into ancient beliefs and practices. Hazor, a prominent city during the Bronze Age, is known for its strategic importance and cultural richness.

Details of the Discovery

• Location: The figurine was found in the remnants of an ancient temple, indicating its potential role in religious rituals.
• Description: The moon god figurine is intricately detailed, showcasing attributes commonly associated with lunar deities in various ancient cultures, such as a crescent shape and symbolic representations that highlight its celestial significance.
• Cultural Significance: This discovery enhances our understanding of how the people of Hazor worshiped celestial bodies and integrated them into their daily lives and spiritual practices.

Historical Context

The worship of moon gods can be traced back to various ancient civilizations. This finding aligns with archaeological records that suggest a network of shared beliefs across different cultures in the region. The moon has often been associated with agriculture, fertility, and timekeeping, making it central to many ancient societies.

Names Of Moon Deities In The Arabian Peninsula

Names Of Moon Deities In The Arabian Peninsula

The Arabian Peninsula has a rich tapestry of mythology and spirituality, where several moon deities were revered across different cultures and tribes. Here are some notable names:

• Sin: Also known as Nanna, Sin was a major lunar deity in ancient Mesopotamian religions, worshiped by the Semitic peoples of Arabia. He is often depicted as the personification of the moon.
• Al-Uzza: While primarily known as a goddess of war and might, Al-Uzza was associated with the moon in some traditions. She was one of the three goddesses worshiped in pre-Islamic Arabia.
• Hubal: Although primarily a god of divination, Hubal was sometimes connected to lunar aspects due to his association with the night and celestial phenomena in pre-Islamic religion.
• Qamar: In Arabic, “Qamar” translates to “moon.” In some local beliefs, Qamar is personified as a deity representing the moon, embodying its qualities and significance in cultural rituals.
• Lahmu: In some interpretations of Arabian mythology, Lahmu is considered a lunar deity linked to the night and related to various fertility rites.

Banat Allah

In the Quran, the three Arabian goddesses al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat are often referred to as “daughters of Allah” or “Banat Allah”. However, early Islamic sources do not usually attribute this identification to these goddesses. In fact, the daughters of Allah are often specified as angels. 

The Quran describes these three goddesses in sura 53 al-Najm verses 19-23. The Quran also indicates that these goddesses were held in high esteem by the Arabs of Mekka. Muhammad’s polemic against polytheism is to be understood as an attack on their worship. He ridiculed the idea that they were actually Allah’s daughters. 

In pre-Islamic times, al-Uzza was one of the three chief goddesses of Arabian religion. A stone cube at Nakhla (near Mecca) was held sacred as part of her cult. 

Sabeans

The Sabeans were an ancient people and kingdom in South Arabia who were known for their wealth and trade: 

• HistoryThe Sabeans founded the kingdom of Sabaʾ, also known as biblical Sheba, and flourished from around 950 to 115 BCE. The earliest mention of the Sabeans was in Assyrian annals from the late 8th and early 7th centuries BCE