SOLAR GODS OF ANCIENT PALMYRA AND THE ROMAN SOL INVICTUS

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of the association of the Roman god Sol Invictus and the solar gods of ancient Palmyra. The identification of this association is carried out on the basis of an analysis of the evidence of sacred art and numismatic material. The iconography of the solar gods of ancient Palmyra and Rome demonstrates similarities and differences between these gods. Images of the Roman Sol Invictus clearly indicate his military and state character. The Palmyrene gods were at the same time the gods of the sun and the gods of the plant world, also affecting the local sacred source.