Divine Names on the Spot

Towards a Dynamic Approach of Divine Denominations in Greek andSemitic Contexts

Edited by T. Galoppin Edited by C. Bonnet

Book cover: Divine Names on the Spot

Extent: 264 pages

Publisher: Peeters Publishers

Subjects: Classical Studies, Language & Linguistics, Religious Studies

Series: Orbis Biblicus et Orientalis

Series volume number: 293

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(December 2021)

ISBN: 9789042947269

Price: $82.00

In stock

eBook (Published)

(December 2021)

ISBN: 9789042947276

Price: $103.00

Ancient Greek and Semitic languages resorted to a large range of words to name the divine. Gods and goddesses were called by a variety of names and combinations of onomastic attributes. This broad lexicon of names is characterized by plurality and a tendency to build on different sequences of names; therefore, the Mapping Ancient Polytheisms project focuses on the process of naming the divine in order to better understand the ancient divine in terms of a plurality in the making.


Ancient Greek and Semitic languages resorted to a large range of words to name the divine. Gods and goddesses were called by a variety of names and combinations of onomastic attributes. This broad lexicon of names is characterised by plurality and a tendency to build on different sequences of names; therefore, the Mapping Ancient Polytheisms project focuses on the process of naming the divine in order to better understand the ancient divine in terms of a plurality in the making. A fundamental rule for reading ancient divine names is to grasp them in their context – time and place, a ritual, the form of the discourse, a cultural milieu…: a deity is usually named according to a specific situation. From Artemis Eulochia to al-Lat, al-‘Uzza and Manat, from Melqart to “my rock” in the biblical book of Psalms, this volume journeys between the sanctuary on Mount Gerizim and late antique magical practices, revisiting rituals, hymnic poetry, oaths of orators and philosophical prayers. While targeting different names in different contexts, the contributors draft theoretical propositions towards a dynamic approach of naming the divine in antiquity.

  • Edited by T. Galoppin
  • Edited by C. Bonnet