Mythological relief.
Religious iconography in Palmyra, situated on a principal trading route in ancient Syria, often showed a hybrid of east and west: here the oriental gods are dressed in very Roman-looking military dress.
The gods were frequently depicted in threes, or triads. The bearded Baalshamin in the centre was master of the sky; to his left is the moon god Aglibol, with Malakbel the sun god to the right. Around the figures are some graffiti, probably scratched by pilgrims much later
Number:
643
Material:
Limestone
Location of Original:
Paris, Louvre, AO 19801
Size:
0.57 m x 0.73 m
Accession:
Robert Cook bequest. Purchased from the Louvre, 14 September 2005
References:
Colledge: The Art of Palmyra, 44, & pl.35
Date:
Mid C1 CE
