The Syrian Goddess

A Translation Of Lucian's "De Dea Syria" By Herbert A. Strong

Home | Index | Previous | Next

ANALYSIS OF THE SUBJECT-MATTER.

PAGE

INTRODUCTORY

§ 1.

The Sacred City

41

2.

Origins of Temples and Shrines

42

THE OLDEST SHRINES AND CULTS OF SYRIA.

3.

Hercules of Tyre

43

4.

The Phœnician Astarte at Sidon. Legend of Europa

44

6.

Aphrodite of Byblos and the Legend of Adonis

45

7.

Legend of Osiris at Byblos

47

8.

The Adonis River; its red colour

47

9.

Cult of Aphrodite in the Lebanon at Aphaca

48

10.

Hierapolis: The greatest Sanctuary. Its Pilgrims

49

LEGENDS OF FOUNDATION.

12.

Ascribed by some to Deukalion. Story of the Deluge

50

13.

Story of the Chasm

51

14.

Assigned by others to Semiramis. Derceto, the Fish-Goddess

52

15.

By others again to the Lydian Attis

55

16.

Lucian shares the View that it was founded by Dionysus

57

17.

Re-built by Stratonice

58

19.

Story of Stratonice and Combabus

60

DESCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE AND SHRINES.

31.

The Inner Sanctuary. The Effigies

69

32.

Comprehensive Character of the Goddess

71

33.

Object between the God and Goddess

73

34.

The Sun God

74

35.

A Bearded Apollo

74

36.

Image of the God borne by the Priests in Divination

75

§ 38.

Atlas and other Images

77

41.

Sacred Animals

78

42.

The Priests and Temple Attendants

79

RITES AND CEREMONIES.

44.

The Sacrifices

80

45.

Sacred Lake and Fishes

81

47.

Ceremony at the Lake

81

48.

Ceremony at the Euphrates ("The Sea")

82

49.

Festival of the Pyre

83

CUSTOMS AND INSTITUTIONS.

50.

The Galli

84

51.

Their Initiation Ceremonies

84

52.

Their Burial

85

54.

Animals used in Sacrifice. Sanctity of the Dove

85, 86

55.

Tonsure and other Customs of Pilgrims

87

57.

Method of Sacrifice. The Libation

87, 88

58.

Human Sacrifice

88

59.

Tattoo

89

60.

Sacrifice of Hair

89


Next: Translation and Notes