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Derzelas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Derzelas (Darzalas) was a Thracian chthonic god of health and human spirit's vitality, also known under the names of Great God Gebeleizis, Derzis or the Thracian Knight.
Darzalas was the Great God of Hellenistic Odessos (modern Varna) since the 4th century BC and was frequently depicted on its coinage and portrayed in numerous terra cotta figurines, as well as in a rare 4th-century BC lead one (photo), found in the city. There was a temple dedicated to him with a cult statue, and in 238 AD, games (Darzaleia) were held in his honor, possibly attended by Gordian III. Darzalas was often depicted in himation, holding cornucopiae with altar by his side.
A temple dedicated to Derzelas was built at Histria (Sinoe)[1] - a Greek colony, on the shore of the Black Sea in the 3rd century BC. Derzelas was the main Dacian god during the life of Burebista's high priest Deceneus[citation needed], who eventually became king. Derzelas and the ancient chief Dacian god Zalmoxis were eventually merged into one god.
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