The temple of the Syrian Goddess (5)

Text
Helios = Šamaš, Selene = Sin, Apollo = Nebo.

pseudo-Lucian, De Dea Syria 34-35:
In the temple itself, on the left of those entering, there is placed first the throne of Helios, but his image is not on it. For only of Helios and Selene do they not display statues. The reason for this custom I also discovered. They say it is right to make images for the other gods, for their forms are not visible to everyone, but Helios and Selene are completely visible and all see them. So, what reason is there to make statues of those gods who appear in the open air? Behind this throne stands a statue of Apollo, but not as it is usually made. For all others think of Apollo as young and show him in the prime of youth. Only these people display a statue of a bearded Apollo. In acting in this way they commend themselves and accuse the Greeks and anyone else who worships Apollo as a youth. They reason like this. They think it utter stupidity to make the forms of the gods imperfect, and they consider youth an imperfect state. They make yet another innovation in their Apollo, for they alone adorn Apollo with clothing.

Source (list of abbreviations) (source links will open in a new browser window)
pseudo-Lucian, De Dea Syria 34-35

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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