• Temple of Yahu in Ekron (720 BCE) revealed by Alphabetic Akkadian Translation of its Temple Plaque and Storage Jars

    Author(s):
    David Olmsted (see profile)
    Date:
    2020
    Group(s):
    Alphabetic Akkadian, Biblical archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology
    Subject(s):
    Akkadians
    Item Type:
    Online publication
    Tag(s):
    temple, Ekron, alphabetical writing, yah, Ancient Israel and Judea, Ancient Israelite religion, Akkadian
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/qz3n-g722
    Abstract:
    A plaque on the wall indicates that this temple in Ekron (Tel Miqne) was devoted to enabling the powers of Yahu. The word “Yahu” is mentioned twice along with the full moon god Su and the image opener goddess, Utu, who is the feminine complement to Yahu. Ekron at this time was ruled by Assyria having been rebuilt over an older destroyed Philistine city. Because Ekron was not ruled by Judah this plaque’s text represents the religious culture of Pagan (northern) Israel. In it, Yahu is the “revealer” of invisible platonic images which were opened by Utu who was directed to do so by higher powers in the Ancient Pagan Paradigm. The text blames negative emotions for fertility failures and promises that the temple can counter them by aiding Yahu’s various supporting powers such as the crescent moon power of Ayu (Ishtar). Labels on four temple storage jars show the types if ritual aid those supporting powers received from the temple. An olive oil transport pottery vessel was found and it has text which provides news from the temple for its suppliers. This news function is also seen with seals from other places. A hoard of amulets was found under the floor from the prior Philistine city and those show a greater concern with the motion powers represented by the full moon god Su as opposed to the agricultural powers which were more of a concern to Israel.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    2 years ago
    License:
    Attribution-ShareAlike
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