Derzelas

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Derzelas (Darzalas) was a Dacian or Thracian chthonic god of abundance and the underworld, health and human spirit's vitality. [1]

Darzalas was the god of Hellenistic period Odessos (modern Varna) and was frequently depicted on its coinage [2] from the third century BCE to the third century CE [3] and portrayed in numerous terracotta figurines, as well as in a rare 4th century BC lead one found in the city. [4] Darzalas was often depicted in himation, holding cornucopiae with altars by his side. There was a temple dedicated to him with a cult statue, and games (Darzaleia) were held in his honor every five years, possibly attended by Gordian III in 238 CE.

Another temple dedicated to Derzelas was built at Histria - a Greek colony on the shore of the Black Sea in the third century BC.

Darzalas Peak on Trinity Peninsula in Antarctica is named after the god. [5] [ citation needed ]

Notes

  1. ↑ Gočeva, Zlatozara (1996). "Organization of Religious Life in Odessos". Kernos. 9: 121–127. doi:10.4000/kernos.1161.
  2. ↑ "Thrace, Odessos - Ancient Greek Coins - WildWinds.com". www.wildwinds.com.
  3. ↑ C. J. Howgego; Volker Heuchert; Andrew M. Burnett (2008). Coinage and Identity in the Roman Provinces. Oxford University Press. p. 110. ISBN   9780199237845.
  4. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20070720025014/http://www.varna-bg.com/museums/archaeology/pictures/musexibit/darsalas.jpg [ bare URL image file ]
  5. ↑ "SCAR Composite Gazetteer". data.aad.gov.au. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010.
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