ATARGATIS

ATARGATIS. — She is the principal goddess of the Aramaeans (Syrians). The name is composed of two elements: the Semitic ’Aytar-Astarte-Istar and ’ata. The meaning of the latter element is uncertain, but many translate it as: opportune time, happy event, fortune. The name of A. would therefore be the Syrian form of the name of Astarte joined with the name of a goddess of fortune. This name occurs in many inscriptions from Palmyra and on some coins. In the Bible the name of the goddess is not found, but in II Mach. 12:26 a temple of the goddess in the city of Carnion in Transjordan is mentioned in the Greek text (II Mach. 5:43 ff.). The cult of this goddess spread from Palmyra through Syrian soldiers, merchants, and slaves to Delos, Dacia, Pannonia, Rome, and even Britain. The name of the goddess of the Philistines, Derceto, corresponds to the name A. V. ASTARTE. Arduino Kleinhans